Over the previous couple of years, the New Orleans Pelicans have had loads of expertise and potential, however they’ve failed to understand that potential, no less than thus far.
They’ve three bona fide stars in Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram, however Williamson and Ingram have had bother staying wholesome on a constant foundation.
Whereas Ingram is likely one of the NBA’s most gifted one-on-one scorers, ESPN character Stephen A. Smith feels he doesn’t work arduous sufficient, and Smith stated he must be in an surroundings the place he will likely be held accountable, per The OGs Present.
Stephen A. Smith says Brandon Ingram must be in an surroundings that holds him accountable
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— The OGs Present (@theOGsShow) July 15, 2024
Ingram arrived in New Orleans for the 2019-20 season, and he averaged 23.8 factors a sport that yr whereas profitable the Most Improved Participant award and being named to the All-Star crew for the primary time.
Whereas he has improved his field-goal capturing since then, his 3-point effectivity has fluctuated from yr to yr, and his scoring common fell to twenty.8 factors a sport this previous season.
Many have felt that Ingram, who’s 6-foot-8, has great defensive potential, however he hasn’t fairly turn out to be the defensive stopper he probably might’ve been by now.
The truth that he’s simply 190 kilos regardless of being within the NBA for eight seasons may very well be proof that he doesn’t work arduous sufficient on his craft, as Smith claimed.
Ingram and crew will likely be joined by guard Dejounte Murray, a former All-Star whom the Pelicans lately acquired in a commerce with the Atlanta Hawks, so they’ll have fairly probably essentially the most gifted crew in franchise historical past.
However except Ingram (and Williamson) raises his sport, the Pelicans gained’t go far within the playoffs.
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Brandon Ingram Reportedly Looking for $200 Million Contract Extension
