Kendrick Perkins is in line to open the season as the Pelicans' top backup at center, John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Perkins is in line to open the season as the Pelicans' top backup at center, John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis:

After signing with New Orleans for the veteran's minimum in the offseason, Perkins was expected to serve as little more than a towel-waving benchwarmer, but with Alexis Ajinca (strained right hamstring) ruled out for four-to-six weeks, the veteran will move up the pecking order. Omer Asik is expected to assume heavy minutes as the Pelicans' starting center, but Perkins should see a handful of minutes to spell him when necessary. Perkins has some value as a screener on offense and a lane clogger on defense, but his inability to do much with the ball in his hands makes him worth avoiding for fantasy purposes.