The skeptics of Omer Asik‘s new contract have gotten some more ammunition recently by way of the news that Asik will be missing three weeks due to a calf strain. The injury took place during Wednesday’s practice and creates real doubt as to whether Asik will be able to suit up for the season opener.
Quite frankly, even if Asik is able to come back by the opener, I would be quick to dismiss any expectations of him being effective. Calf and hamstring injuries (we will get to that in a second) linger and can be difficult to stay in peak condition with. Luckily for Asik, he is not one to rely on athleticism or twitchy muscle movements; he is just a ginormous, sweaty rebounding fiend.
The Asik injury comes on the heels of losing fellow big man Alexis Ajnica for four to six weeks because of an apparent hamstring strain. Like Asik, Ajinca does not rely upon athleticism, so the injury should not hamper his style of play on the court. Unfortunately, both of the injuries are difficult pills to swallow. Both big men projected to be key contributors on both ends of the floor and help make the Pelicans lineup more malleable and able to match up with different lineup combinations thrown at them.
Now, even in the worst case scenarios, both players figure to not miss too much time during the regular season. That is what the glass half full approached people will say and they are right. However, as a fan, please take the proper precautions in order to ensure hope that both of these injuries do not linger throughout the season. Cross your fingers, practice voodoo. Whatever you gotta do.
If both players are unable to suit up by the season opener, we should expect to see more lineup combinations showcasing Anthony Davis at center with Ryan Anderson alongside him in the frontcourt. This lineup will likely provide ample spacing and easier driving avenues for Tyreke Evans to slash his way through, but I can’t help but be petrified of what would occur on the other end of the floor.
For all of his wingspan super powers and gaudy shot blocking numbers, Davis hasn’t yet shown the proper instincts to anchor down a top-level defense. He too often gets caught reaching when put into the pick and roll and is susceptible to pump fakes as he tries to swat opposing players like a volleyball player being set up for a spike. Also, he doesn’t (yet) have the girth to match up with other centers down in the low post.
These small issues that I assume will subside as Davis grows into his body and better understands defense in the league. New associate head coach Darren Erman will also positively affect Davis’ defensive prowess.
Although he doesn’t want to embrace the idea of playing the five (it could put some unwanted wear and tear on his frame) it would be a ton of fun to watch him unleash holy hell against lumbering opposing fives on offense. Maybe we will see short glimpses of this because of the Asik and Ajinca injuries.
One last thing that I haven’t seen many people talk about yet — the injuries have paved the way for Kendrick Perkins to be back in our lives! Get ready for line drive hook shots, hard screens that have no rhyme or reason to being a part of an offense and a bevy of mean scowls!
At least we know he will never get called for traveling.
The Kendrick Perkins era in New Orleans: feel the fever!
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