In a make or break year for the New Orleans Pelicans, Brandon Ingram has elevated his status with the best season of his short career so far.
Plenty weighed on the slim shoulders of Brandon Ingram heading into the 2019-20 season, his first with the New Orleans Pelicans.
He spent his first three seasons unsure of his place within the Los Angeles Lakers but was granted a fresh start in New Orleans. Having been acquired in the package for Anthony Davis, Ingram was expected to blossom under circumstances that better aided his development.
After having his previous season cut short due to a deep venous thrombosis in his right arm, Ingram also had to prove himself fully healthy and productive, especially if he hoped to earn as much money as possible on a potential rookie extension he’d be eligible for in the offseason.
While the Pelicans patiently awaited the debut of Zion Williamson until January, it was Ingram who seized control of the team by posting career-highs across the board en route to his first All-Star appearance.
Even if the season does resume, the Pelicans aren’t likely to make the playoffs, but thanks to Ingram’s electric year-long performance, that drought shouldn’t last much longer.