NBA Notes: Pelicans, Zion Williamson, Pacers, Clippers, projections

Pelicans

Zion Williamson wants everyone to know he’s not going anywhere.

The former No. 1 overall pick told reporters after the Pelicans’ preseason tour in Australia that New Orleans is still “home base,” adding that he takes pride in representing the franchise that drafted him.

“It’s always a privilege to throw on an NBA jersey, to be a Pelican,” Williamson said. “No matter what people say, this is home. This is the crib.”

Williamson admitted there’s work to do, both for him and the team, but he sounded refreshed after a healthy offseason. He also raved about his chemistry with newcomer Jordan Poole.

“I told him, ‘Hey bruh, you just be trying stuff out there,’” Williamson said with a laugh. “But it’s dope. He brings energy and he’s a competitor. He knows what it takes to win a ring. Having that experience on this team is big for us.”

Pacers

The Pacers’ guard depth is suddenly looking thin.

As Tom Lewis of Indy Cornrows noted, the team has been scrambling to fill the backup point guard spot behind Andrew Nembhard with Tyrese Haliburton out for the season and T.J. McConnell sidelined by a hamstring strain.

Veteran Delon Wright’s preseason ended early after taking a pair of tough hits to the head. The team turned to Cameron Payne for help, though his role could depend on how quickly McConnell heals. Two-way guards Quenton Jackson and RayJ Dennis may also be asked to handle more responsibility in the short term.

Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged that losing McConnell’s leadership hurts, but praised his younger guards for their energy and defense. Payne will likely get extended minutes Saturday when the Pacers host the defending champion Thunder.

Clippers

The Clippers might be the NBA’s most polarizing roster — depending on who you ask.

In a breakdown for CBS Sports, James Herbert presented both sides of the debate. The “believers” love the depth, calling it the deepest rotation in basketball with shooters, playmakers and defenders everywhere. “Tyronn Lue is going to have so much fun putting lineups together,” one side argued.

The skeptics, however, pointed out that John Collins is the youngest regular at 28 and that relying on an older core of Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal, Chris Paul and Brook Lopez could backfire in the spring.

Herbert summed it up well by suggesting the Clippers can beat almost anyone if they’re healthy — but that “if” has haunted them for years.