Preseason injuries are not ideal at any time. For the New Orleans Pelicans, injuries to newly signed big men make the situation a lot less ideal. The two main centers in their rotation, Alexis Ajinca and Omer Asik, may not be ready for opening night against the Golden State Warriors on October 27th.
Following from an official New Orleans Pelicans statement.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that center Omer Asik is expected to miss the next three weeks with a right calf strain. The injury occurred during Wednesday’s practice.
The Pelicans now have to turn to Anthony Davis possibly to be their starting center in preseason games and maybe for the first week of the season.
Last week, it was announced that reserve big man Alexis Ajinca, who just re-signed with the team in the offseason, would miss up to six weeks and now with the news to fellow new re-signee Omer Asik, it all but forces head coach Alvin Gentry’s hand to start Davis.
With Davis’ improved game and the offense Alvin Gentry wants to run this season, this could be a blessing in disguise. Davis has expanded his range to the three-point line and his athleticism along with an up-tempo offense could allow the Pelicans to give the small and fast lineups a chance in the new, faster NBA.
