Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans: 3 storylines to follow after All-Star Break

By Willie Lutz

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 08: JJ Redick #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court with head coach Alvin Gentry of the New Orleans Pelicans during a NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at Smoothie King Center on January 08, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 08: JJ Redick #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court with head coach Alvin Gentry of the New Orleans Pelicans during a NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at Smoothie King Center on January 08, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 26: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Boston Celtics during a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 26, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 26: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Boston Celtics during a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 26, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2. Will Brandon  Ingram be able to finish his breakout season as strong as it started?

Appearing as the lone Pelicans’ representative among the 24 All-Stars, Brandon Ingram has impressed in his fourth season of professional basketball, which is, of course, his first in New Orleans.

Putting up 24.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 40% from three on 6.3 attempts, Ingram’s game has significantly improved from his three-year stint with the Lakers.

Ingram has been great for the New Orleans Pelicans this season. There were choppy moments when Zion Williamson initially returned to the team’s lineup in late January, but Ingram seems to be quickly adjusting and finding new ways to create with another high-volume piece in the mix.

It’s been encouraging to see the on-court chemistry developing between Zion and Ingram. While one’s success doesn’t seem to be crucial to the other, the Pelicans’ future is maximized if these two can both play at an All-Star level.

What’s been fun to watch is the duo’s ability to find one another in traffic. Despite having opposite frames, both are impressive in their ability to drive to the rim.

What’s more impressive is that they’re starting to read each other going to the rim, with the other one trailing as the other one draws coverage on their attack.

Continuing to impress with the rock in his hands, Brandon Ingram is proving his way as a playmaker. While much of his success has been on the ball this season, his prolonged ascension must include his continued development as a passer.

As long as Ingram keeps posting 20-plus point nights in high-efficiency efforts, he’s going to give the New Orleans Pelicans a lot of scoring reliability. Certainly, they can use it in this time as they’re trying to string a bunch of wins together at the end of the season.

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