The New Orleans Pelicans received some devastating news earlier this week in regards to NBA All-Star Zion Williamson’s rehab. Williamson will only be doing low-impact workouts for 4-to-6 weeks after he recently received an injection in his surgically repaired foot.
It is a brutal blow for a Pelicans franchise that thought they could compete for a playoff spot this season. Without Williamson, the team is 9-21 on the season, 3.5 games behind the Sacramento Kings for the final spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference.
While a lot of focus is on the Williamson situation, and rightfully so, credit needs to be given to the players that are trying to keep the team afloat with their superstar teammate sidelined. One of the players who has stepped up their performance is Brandon Ingram.
Ingram dealt with an injury of his own earlier in the season which sidelined him for seven games. It took him a little while to get on track upon returning, but he has been playing some great basketball for New Orleans in December.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Pelicans Announce Update On Zion Williamson’s Potential Return
In seven games, Ingram is averaging 28 points, 5.9 rebounds, six assists and 1.3 steals in 37.1 minutes per game. He has been efficient in scoring the ball, making 49.3 percent of his shots overall, 35.1 percent of his 3-point attempts and 81.1 percent from the foul line.
While the New Orleans Pelicans are only 3-4 during that stretch, Ingram is doing everything he can to help the team win some games and get back on track. Without Zion Williamson, he is the unquestioned go-to player being relied upon to not only create for himself but his teammates as well.
New Orleans may not be having much team success, but that doesn’t mean Ingram shouldn’t be recognized for his individual performance. He is someone that the younger players turn to, as rookie Herb Jones recently praised his leadership.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Pelicans Announce Update On Zion Williamson’s Potential Return
Despite playing for a losing team, Brandon Ingram is someone that should squarely be in the race for an All-Star nod. He is bringing his numbers right back up to where they were during his first All-Star nomination in the 2019-20 season, putting him in a position to earn his second this season.
