How Zion Williamson’s return will affect Brandon Ingram

When Zion Williamson returns to the New Orleans Pelicans next season, everyone will have to adjust, including last season’s leading scorer Brandon Ingram.

Brandon Ingram took over as point forward for much of last season and was the team’s go-to scorer, especially late in the shot clock or at the end of games.

Ingram carried the Pelicans to the playoffs last season and then put together one of the best playoff series in team history even though the Pels ultimately lost in six games.

It’s a role that he’ll now share with Zion Williamson, who led the team in scoring the last full season the two young stars played together.

Both players are obviously going to have big roles for the New Orleans Pelicans, but it’s possible that we’ll see some changes in Ingram’s approach once Zion returns.

New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram as point forwards

Stan Van Gundy chose to use Zion as a point forward, a role he thrived in for the Pelicans, even though it did make their offense fairly predictable.

Coach Willie Green wants more ball movement, so we’ll see Ingram initiating the offense as much or more than Zion, and could even take over a larger role as facilitator with Zion moving off the ball and creating havoc.

Ingram continues to improve as a passer, especially when the double teams come, and now he has another target. The last time these two played together, Lonzo Ball was still on the team, but now Ingram will be dishing a lot of those lobs to Zion instead.

Even though the two will be sharing the duties, I do think Ingram’s assists are going to tick up, as he is more comfortable as a playmaker and now has one of the best targets in the NBA.