Perhaps no player in the NBA has embraced a new, larger role this season than Brandon Ingram with the Pelicans. After being in the shadow of LeBron James with the Lakers last season, Ingram was handed the keys to the Pelicans this season and has flourished, highlighted by winning the Western Conference Player of the Week award for the final full week of December.
After practice on Tuesday, Lonzo Ball talked about Ingram winning the award and his play this season.
“He’s our best player. He showed it and he’s been showing it all year. He finally got the award because we finally won some games for him.”
This season, Ingram has seen his points per game average jump seven full points to 25.3 points per game. Most importantly, though, is that he’s shooting 40.9% from three-point territory on 5.7 attempts per game. His ability to consistently knock down shots from range has opened up his game as he’s also averaging a career-high in rebounds and assists while still getting to the line at a good rate.
While most expected Jrue Holiday to be the leader for the team, it’s been Ingram who has embraced that role statistically on the court. Now, as Ball joked, with the team healthy and thriving, Ingram is starting to get the notoriety he deserves.
