The Charlotte Hornets have a long road ahead of them if they want to compete in the Eastern Conference. A good way to speed up their timeline is to acquire All-Star forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Ingram first entered the NBA as the Los Angeles Lakers second overall pick in the 2016 Draft. Initially called a bust due to his poor performance as a rookie, the lanky forward slowly picked up some steam after he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
During his first All-Star season from 2019 to 2020, he averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and a single steal per contest. Ingram also connected 46 percent from the field, 39 percent from beyond the arc, and 85 percent from the free throw line over the course of 62 games.
Unfortunately, the former Los Angeles Lakers star may have reached his ceiling in the Big Easy, especially after getting swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder this year. Add the emergence of Zion Williamson this season, and there’s more reason for New Orleans to put Ingram on the market.
Charlotte Hornets Land Brandon Ingram To Pair Up With LaMelo Ball in Ideal Trade Scenario
Out of all the places he can go to, there’s a good chance Ingram can do a lot of great work with All-Star guard LaMelo Ball in Buzz City. In an article written by Greg Swartz for Bleacher Report:
“The Hornets finished 28th overall in offense last season and should be on the lookout for another big-time wing scorer to use next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Ingram, 26, averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists and shot 49.2 percent overall last season, his fifth-straight year of dropping 20 or more a game.
His passing has only improved over time, an important factor for the Hornets if Ball continues to miss time due to injury. A core of Ball, Miller and Ingram averages 6’8″, giving Charlotte a massive backcourt and wing to build upon. All three can score and make plays for others, with shooting ranges that extend past the arc,” Swartz wrote.
Having a talented facilitator like Ball around Ingram will help unlock the latter’s true potential on the court. Add the Hornets star’s 37 percent shooting from deep and the one-time All-Star will have all the space he needs to create some meaningful offense on the court.
It remains to be seen whether Charlotte will make a move on Ingram, some other team will get him, or if he stays in the Big Easy. One thing is for sure, though, Ingram needs a change of scenery if he wants to play longer in the NBA.
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