Brandon Ingram Fish out of Water?

Brandon Ingram: Fish out of Water?

The last season ended in disappointment. Zion Williamson got into shape and became the superstar we all knew he would be since 2019. He had a legendary performance against the Lakers. Dropping a 40-point game, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, but due to injury, his season ended. It was clear that Zion Williamson was the franchise player of the future. But Brandon Ingram did not step up when it mattered. He was dragging down the game for the Pelicans. A winnable game, and he could have led the franchise to the seventh seed. Scoring only 11 points against the Lakers in a crucial match could end their season. It was an embarrassment. Fans realized that he is not a star. Rather a Tobias Harris-caliber player. Ingram not being a good off-ball player and needing the ball to get his shot off hurts Zion. It clogs up the lane and does not open up the floor for shooters. A starting spot that can go to Trey Murray III. A player who can open the floor up for the main star. Trey Shot 38 percent from 3. Along with Herb Jones, who is one of the best wing defenders. New Orleans made one of the biggest moves this off-season, which shows a new direction.

Dejounte Murray was the perfect addition to the Pelicans. Murray struggled to play next to Trae Young. Both players had the same playing style, which caused Dejounte's efficiency to fall. It showed when Murray was able to average 25 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. Looking like a complete all-around player. It will be exciting to see how Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray play next to each other. From the handoff passes that they could do or Murray throwing the ball down to Zion. New Orleans needed a point guard. But that makes one wonder where Brandon fits in all this.

The Pelicans will look incredible with Dejounte Murray and Zion Williamson. But Brandon Ingram will be the odd man out. There is only one ball and 3 players who need the play in their hands. Ingram is not an offball player, which hurts the two better players. He is a Great Value version of Kevin Durant. He is average in every category. Teams are not afraid of BI. It showed in the Oklahoma City Thunder series, where he had a horrible series. A player who was the second-round pick should have been a key factor in that series. Even if the franchise player is hurt. Due to that series, it forced David Griffin to make a move for a second star. And teams are not interested in bringing on a mediocre player.

Brandon Ingram has been a disappointment. I thought he was up there with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in 2019, but in modern times the difference is major. Brandon Ingram is far from being an All-Star. He is at best a Tobias Harris-caliber player. Not a horrible player, but a decent player. Due to the cap space, teams are not willing to take a gamble. It is clear that BI is not a team riser. The Pelicans only look good when Zion is healthy, which is rare as of right now. With the West becoming more competitive, the Pelicans must act. They need to stay afloat or become contenders. Also, there are players like Trey Murphy III who can make New Orleans into a better team. With his ability to stretch the floor and give Dejounte Murray and Zion a chance to attack the rim. With how the Pelicans have changed this season, it is clear that Brandon Ingram is fish out of water.

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