Pelicans C Kendrick Perkins looks primed to open year as starter

Pelicans veteran Kendrick Perkins has been deployed as the starting center in the last two preseason games, scoring no points and grabbing nine rebounds while playing 28 minutes.

With Omer Asik (calf) and Alexis Ajinca (hamstring) suffering injuries in training camp that will likely sideline both for the beginning of the regular season, Perkins has risen quickly up the depth chart. Even if he does ultimately earn the starting nod for the season opener, his lack of mobility and dearth of offensive ability will likely result in him seeing 10-to-20 minutes per night.