Brandon Ingram and Willie Green had a brief exchange in the locker room during the New Orleans Pelicans’ Game 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs, according to a report by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Ingram, the Pelicans’ star forward, told Green he wanted more opportunities on offense and asked the coach to help facilitate that.
The exchange occurred during a challenging game for New Orleans, which suffered a 124-92 defeat on April 24. Ingram scored 18 points on 5-10 shooting, with eight of his attempts coming in the second half.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The conversation has sparked interest amid speculation about Ingram’s long-term future with the Pelicans. As he enters the final year of his contract, questions arise about his value to the team beyond 2025. Ingram’s inconsistency and limited appearances (only once playing in 70-plus games since 2016) make committing to a full max contract a difficult decision.
Additionally, concerns exist about Ingram’s compatibility with Zion Williamson in the backcourt, as both players tend to operate primarily inside the three-point arc.
Williamson’s impressive performance this season, including a 40-point, 11-rebound effort in the play-in tournament loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, has solidified his position as the cornerstone player for the Pelicans’ future roster construction.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The exchange between Ingram and Green doesn’t necessarily indicate immediate concerns or a definitive end to Ingram’s tenure with the Pelicans, but it contributes to the ongoing discussion about his role and future with the team.
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