The New Orleans Pelicans have not been good this season but Brandon Ingram has been one of the silver linings. Should he be the All-Star starter?
Ingram was an All-Star and the Most Improved Player in the NBA last season and looks to be poised to take the next logical step.
Watching Ingram play, fans have compared him to a younger Kevin Durant. They both have similar styles and are effective at the mid-range.
Speaking of comparisons, this season Ingram ranks favorably against small forwards across the league.
He is 4th in scoring, right behind LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Jayson Tatum. Notably, there are two other SF on that list that play in the Western Conference.
James is a lock, but Leonard is a 50/50 shot because Paul George is playing high caliber basketball, so it would be interesting to see if Ingram can make that final push for the starting spot.
But it is not all about scoring.
New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Ingram’s case to be an All-Star starter
Brandon Ingram is not just scoring the ball, he is also in the top-5 in several other statistical categories.
Ingram is 4th in scoring for small forwards, 14th in rebounds, 5th in assists, 4th in blocks and 5th in free-throws attempted per game.
Brandon Ingram is really just being himself.
David Griffin spoke up about Ingram’s rise to stardom:
"“One of the blessings of him being an All-Star and getting that contract is that he is at peace that you know he’s really good…He’s just playing his game.”"
Brandon Ingram is “just playing his game” which includes filling up the stat sheet and being one of the best all-around small forwards in the league.
Retweet to vote! 💪@B_Ingram13 | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/dgeYReJjsG
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 29, 2021
New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Ingram is fun to watch
An important part of being an All Star Starter is the entertainment aspect. Brandon Ingram is enjoyable to watch. His ability to make plays by driving to the basket, his acrobatic layups and ability to score from all over the floor are things every basketball fan can enjoy.
Ingram has also improved as a passer and has become one of the Pels’ primary ball handlers. He has become adept at throwing alley-oops to Zion Williamson, which is something people want to see in an All-Star game.
It’s not just about scoring, the All-Star game is a showcase of passing and ballhandling that should include Brandon Ingram.
Ingram plays in one of the smallest markets in the league, so his chances of getting voted in over some of the guys from Los Angeles are slim, but he has put up the numbers to be the starter.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been disappointing but Brandon Ingram still deserves consideration as one of the top small forwards in the Western Conference.