Few people have backed Brandon Ingram as much as Lonzo Ball has this season. Early in the year following a career scoring output, Ball raced to voice his support of Ingram as an All-Star. And when Ingram was named an All-Star, it was Ball who was celebrating hardest for his teammate.
It comes as no surprise, then, that when asked about what the team expects from Ingram on the restart, Ball was certain to throw a compliment to his teammate in his answer.
“Oh yeah, he’s definitely a max (contract player) in my eyes. We’re looking to him to score the ball and do big things for us on both sides of the ball. I think he’s going to pick up right where he left. He’s been that guy for us all year. I don’t think anything’s going to change.”
Unlike some other young players around the league due for a contract extension or set to enter contract negotiations, Ingram never voiced concern about taking part in the NBA’s restart. In fact, he gave an opposite to the opposite effect during his own media availability.
“I’ve been asked questions from different people around about my contract this offseason, but I never really sat down and just thought about it. I think that’s more for after the season. I think this season is obviously focused on being with my teammates and just playing basketball, being how last year went when I couldn’t finish the season last year, so this year was just about me going out there and showing where I belong and showing that I can excel in this new space. I think playing in this will – it could help me out.”
Pelicans Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin stated during his interview with the media that both Ingram and Ball had expressed desires to remain in New Orleans. Given both of their breakout seasons, each have likely earned themselves much larger paydays in the coming months.
