Featured Columnist IVOctober 11, 2024
Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE by way of Getty Photos
Whereas Brandon Ingram’s uncertain future with the New Orleans Pelicans has led to plenty of commerce speculation as he enters the ultimate season of his contract, he’s reportedly dialed in forward of the 2024-25 marketing campaign.
Pelicans head coach Willie Inexperienced mentioned Ingram is “not simply becoming in, he is dominating,” following one follow, per William Guillory of The Athletic. Guillory famous there was “a relentless buzz amongst folks within the group surrounding Ingram’s phenomenal play in follow periods.”
A part of that optimism comes from the Duke product engaged on his general shot-taking strategy and maybe not relying as a lot on midrange jumpers.
This provides to the general vibe at coaching camp for the Western Convention crew, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday that the group additionally believes Zion Williamson is “primed for a giant season” as a result of he’s wholesome and coming off a summer time the place he labored with New Orleans’ workers.
The Pelicans have been swept within the first spherical of the playoffs by the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder final season, however Williamson was sidelined by a hamstring harm. What’s extra, they adjusted by buying and selling for Dejounte Murray this offseason, which elevates the crew’s general ceiling.
A go-to group of Williamson, Murray, Ingram and CJ McCollum could be among the many Western Convention’s greatest if everybody stays wholesome, and that is not even moving into the standard function gamers in Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado and others.
Sure, the Western Convention is loaded. Sure, Ingram’s future with the group stays very a lot up within the air.
However the Pelicans have sufficient expertise to problem for a deep playoff run, particularly if the optimism surrounding Williamson and Ingram seems to be warranted as soon as the video games begin counting within the standings.
