New Orleans Pelicans: Small forward grades for the first month
Small Forwards
Brandon Ingram came into the season as the league’s most improved player and has continued to get better.
The problem is that he is being asked to do way too much at the moment, which often leads to isolation plays that aren’t good for Ingram or the Pelicans.
Ingram still struggles on defense against bigger wings, which is something the Pelicans did nothing to address in the offseason by failing to get him a backup.
Ingram has definitely been more aggressive looking for his own shot, which hasn’t always been a good thing, especially when the Pels’ offense slows down.
I’d like to see more ball movement, as Ingram thrives when he doesn’t have to dribble too much or can take it directly to the hoop.
The Pelicans’ struggles are not on Ingram, who is playing at an All-Star level and will continue to improve.