In virtually every 2015-16 NBA preview, Kendrick Perkins’ assignment in New Orleans is summed up as an off-the-court role, with the 30-year-old bringing leadership and serving as a mentor for Anthony Davis and the Pelicans’ array of young players. But as Perkins probably knows as well as anyone on his new team, things can change quickly in the league.
After Pelicans backup center Alexis Ajinca sustained a right hamstring injury in the first half of New Orleans’ first preseason game, the 12-year veteran Perkins suddenly moved up the depth chart at center. Ajinca is out 4-6 weeks, which means he’s likely to be sidelined when the regular season tips off Oct.