New Orleans Pelicans: 2 players With the Most to Prove at NBA Disney

New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Ingram has a lot to prove at NBA Disney

The New Orleans Pelicans are going to offer Brandon Ingram an extension in the offseason, that really isn’t a question.

What is a question is exactly how much this max will be. Ingram has improved his game tremendously this season, increasing his averages in scoring, rebounding and assists.

He became the Alpha-Dog in Zion’s absence and his offense carried the team through some lean times.

But do the Pelicans think he is worth the max? Yes, they probably do, but that doesn’t mean Ingram doesn’t have anything to prove.

He wants to prove that his early season numbers were not just a fluke and that he can be the leader of this team even with a healthy Zion.

Ingram’s numbers dipped when Zion returned, which was to be expected, but he is still the guy the Pelicans turn to when they need a bucket.

But how does Ingram feel about playing in Zion’s shadow? Is it possible he would take less guaranteed money to be on a team where he was the number one option?

It’s unlikely that Ingram would walk away from an extra year just to be “the man” somewhere else, but not unimaginable, especially if another team swoops in with an attractive offer.

Ingram is out to prove that he is the best scorer on the Pelicans, part of their “Big Three” moving forward and worth every penny of the maximum extension he is likely to receive.

Ingram can also help his financial situation by making the All-NBA team, which is unlikely to happen, but could if Ingram wows the voters with huge games in Orlando.

These two pending free agents don’t have a ton to lose, as they are both going to get paid, but they have a lot to gain by playing well on a national stage.

How the Pelicans handle these two free agents will have a huge effect on their roster construction for the future and both will head to Orlando with plenty to prove.