Buying or selling early trends of the 2019-20 NBA season
5. Brandon Ingram looking like a star
Much was made about Brandon Ingram‘s potential during his three years with the Los Angeles Lakers.
A former No. 2 overall pick, every stretch that flashed potential stardom was soon met with another that left his believers searching for answers. He wasn’t always set up for success, placed under championship expectations at just 21 years of age, but the New Orleans Pelicans have given Ingram a fresh start and so far he hasn’t seemed to waste a second of it.
A shot-creator at his core, New Orleans has put the ball in Ingram’s hands and allowed him to operate as he pleases. The results have been better than anything imaginable, with averages of 27.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.
https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/1186813068753489920
Ingram currently has career-high marks in both shots per game and overall usage rate and yet he’s shooting 52.5 percent from the field and a sparkling 52.6 percent on 6.5 3-point attempts per game.
Just 105 minutes is a small sample size to work from and the eventual return of Zion Williamson may shift some responsibilities off Ingram’s plate. As long as the touches are still there, those slight concerns aren’t enough to outweigh Ingram’s potential that’s finally coming to the surface.