Pelicans' Tim Frazier: On track to open season in starting role

Frazier tallied 10 points (4-11 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-3 FT), seven assists and seven rebounds across 36 minutes in Thursday's 114-111 preseason loss to the Magic.

Analysis:

Though coach Alvin Gentry didn't explicitly name Frazier the starting point guard to open the season, the fact that the former Penn State standout started all but one of the Pelicans' six preseason games makes him a mortal lock for a spot on the top unit. Frazier will presumably settle into a backup role once Jrue Holiday (personal) rejoins the team, but with no definitive timetable for that, he should enjoy an extended run as a starter. While Frazier won't be asked to score much, he should be an outstanding source of assists after averaging 7.0 dimes in just 26.8 minutes per game during the preseason.