Willie Green: Brandon Ingram ‘Dominating’ at Pelicans Practice amid NBA Trade Rumors

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVOctober 11, 2024

Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images

While Brandon Ingram’s uncertain future with the New Orleans Pelicans has led to plenty of trade speculation as he enters the final season of his contract, he is reportedly dialed in ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Pelicans head coach Willie Green said Ingram is “not just fitting in, he’s dominating,” following one practice, per William Guillory of The Athletic. Guillory noted there has been “a constant buzz among people in the organization surrounding Ingram’s phenomenal play in practice sessions.”

Part of that optimism comes from the Duke product working on his overall shot-taking approach and perhaps not relying as much on midrange jumpers.

This adds to the overall vibe at training camp for the Western Conference team, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday that the organization also believes Zion Williamson is “primed for a big season” because he is healthy and coming off a summer where he worked with New Orleans’ staff.

The Pelicans were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, but Williamson was sidelined by a hamstring injury. What’s more, they adjusted by trading for Dejounte Murray this offseason, which elevates the team’s overall ceiling.

A go-to group of Williamson, Murray, Ingram and CJ McCollum can be among the Western Conference’s best if everyone remains healthy, and that’s not even getting into the quality role players in Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado and others.

Yes, the Western Conference is loaded. Yes, Ingram’s future with the organization remains very much up in the air.

But the Pelicans have enough talent to challenge for a deep playoff run, especially if the optimism surrounding Williamson and Ingram turns out to be warranted once the games start counting in the standings.