Young Stars Finally Fulfilling Their Potential

Brandon Ingram needed a change of scenery, There was just too much drama in LA for him to be able to work. So, when he got traded to the Pelicans, everyone thought that a fresh start would do Ingram a lot of good. Boy, were they right. In the Pelicans first nine games of the year, Ingram is averaging career highs in almost every category: field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, free-throw percentage, blocks, steals, rebounds, assists, and points. He raised his mid-range percentage from 36% to 64%, and he is shooting the three at a 47% clip. That is an outrageous spike in shooting numbers in only one offseason. While the Pelicans don’t have a great record to show for his efforts, they are still waiting on the #1 pick, Zion Williamson, to return from injury. While Ingram may see a slight decline in usage, his numbers may not drop that much because of the defensive attention that will be diverted from him to Zion. The Pelicans will have a tough time making the playoffs this year in a crowded Western Conference, but they have a budding star and a talented young core for the future.