Darnell Mayberry: 99.9 percent chance Kendrick Perkins signs long term with OKC Thunder

The Oklahoman's Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer Darnell Mayberry answered questions from readers in today's Power Lunch chat. Read the entire chat recap here. Participate in our Power Lunch chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. at NewsOK.com/sports

On the chances center Kendrick Perkins signs with the Thunder after the season:

99.9 percent. The team made this deal with the intent to keep him long term. And now that Perk has said he wants to be here, it's just a matter of settling on a number, dotting some I's and crossing some T's.

On the play of backup center Cole Aldrich against the Lakers:

Aldrich was fantastic. He provided incredible energy, and the Lakers were caught off guard by his hustle, rebounding and shot-blocking. You could see Aldrich's development playing out last night. [Nazr] Mohammed basically had one shoot-around. The new guys haven't had any practice time. So I assume Brooks wanted to go with guys who were more comfortable. Mohammed probably will play against Indiana after two days of practice.

On coach Scott Brooks' rotation down the stretch:

When Perk gets healthy, I think we'll still see Harden come in for Thabo at the four-minute mark in the first quarter. Nick Collison will probably be the first big off the bench, replacing Ibaka. Daequan Cook is earning more playing time by the day, and he might have to back up Durant.