Brandon Ingram, the star guard of the New Orleans Pelicans, has reached a new level since being traded from Cleveland Cavaliers to New Orleans. While Ingram’s numbers are still modest compared to his career average, they have been on the rise over the last couple of years. Ingram averaged 23.8 points and 6.1 rebounds, 4.2 assist, and a steal per match during his first season with Pelicans.
Ingram’s shooting percentage has also increased in the playoffs. Ingram shot 42.9 percent in the playoffs, up from 32.7 percent during the regular season. With that kind of production, Ingram has the potential to become one of the best scorers in the NBA.
Ingram has played superbly in his first trip to the NBA playoffs. He has taken over games for long periods of time and has been an ultra-efficient force on offense. He’s shooting 50 percent from the field and three-point range, and he’s converting 88 percent from the foul line. He has also posted three straight 30-plus point games. Ingram not only scored a 30-point effort in Game 1, but also added 31 points in Game 2 and a season-high 41 points in Game 4.
Brandon Ingram has given the Pelicans fans something to hope for. Ingram has assumed the leadership role Zion Williamson once held. Ingram’s impressive performance makes him a star for the Pelicans.
Adding to Davis’ stellar performance, Ingram has taken his game to a new level. Ingram’s stellar play helped the Pelicans to a 2-2 series tie against Phoenix. While an ESPN panel predicted a sweep for the Suns, New Orleans has won the overall scoring margin by 12 points.
Williamson will not be able to play in the Pelicans’ play-in tournament, but they are confident that Williamson’s injury will not affect their chances of making it to the next round. The Pelicans have won three out of their last four games.
Brandon Ingram has reached a new level of play in the playoffs. His play has improved in all areas, from defense to scoring. He is averaging 28.2 points per game and 12.2 rebounds while adding 5.2 assists. He is also efficient shooting 48.5 percent from the field, and 42.9 percent from three.
McCollum and Ingram are the Pelicans’ mainstays, but Jaxson Hayes has been a spark for the Pelicans in the second half. He displayed incredible athleticism in transition and was a key block against the Suns. Moreover, Hayes did not try to force anything.
The Pelicans are interested to acquire Durant, but any trade would require Ingram to be traded. They don’t want to do that because they believe Ingram is a better trade partner than Durant. Ingram is nine years younger and costs $15 million less per season than Durant.