During an interview with NBA writer Will Guillory of The Athletic, New Orleans Pelicans small forward Brandon Ingram talked about his future with the Pelicans.
“For me, I love New Orleans,” Ingram said. “It’s perfect for me and the way I want to operate. Less distractions. I can go play basketball whenever I want to. I’ve got direct access to the facility. I’ve got people close to me who can come to the gym and help me at any time. I feel connected with New Orleans and the people around me.”
Ingram signed a five-year, $158.3 million contract with the Pelicans in November 2020. The one-time NBA All-Star averaged 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists for the Pelicans last season while shooting 48.4% from the field, 39.0% from beyond the arc and 88.2% from the free-throw.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
“I remember signing that deal a few years ago, and I signed it after my fourth year,” Ingram said. “Most guys get their deal after their third year. It was different for me because I had to work and they wanted to see more from me after coming to (New Orleans) with (the blood clot issue) that forced me to miss time that previous year. That made me not think about getting paid, but just think about how much work I’m putting in. I knew (the work) was going to get noticed eventually.”
The Pelicans acquired Ingram from the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2019 in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade. Ingram is averaging 23.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 223 games with New Orleans. The Duke product won the 2019-20 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The Pelicans missed the NBA playoffs this year after making it in 2022. They lost the 9-10 play-in game at home to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ingram only appeared in 45 games last season. He needs to stay healthy next season for New Orleans to make the NBA postseason again.
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