New Orleans Pelicans’ priority No. 2: Sign Brandon Ingram to a long-term deal
While it seemed insane at the time the Pelicans traded Anthony Davis ,especially considering him being a top 3 player in the NBA, it appears as if everything has worked in the Pelicans favor. There was no significant drop off due to Davis’s departure as the Pelicans finished with a 30-42 record this season compared to 33-49 when Davis was still on the Pelicans roster.
We finally got to see what Brandon Ingram could do when given the opportunity and he did not disappoint as he blossomed into the kind of player we all expected him to become when he was drafted No. 2 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. He had an amazing season earning his first all-star bid and also was given the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award while averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Ingram has many tools in his offensive arsenal and there have been comparisons to Kevin Durant with his length, smooth jump shot, and ability to score.
Ingram softened the blow of the Pelicans losing Davis as he became the budding star who still has room to get even better as he is yet to reach his ceiling. If general manager David Griffin is smart, he takes the initiative and signs Ingram to a max deal this offseason. He is only 22 years old and there is no telling just how dangerous he and Williamson will be as a duo.