New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram has won the 2019-2020 NBA Most Improved Player award.
What We Know:
- Ingram was named a finalist for the award alongside Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic. Ingram posted career-highs across the board during his first season with New Orleans, averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
- With Zion Williamson, the No. 1 pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, sitting out most of the season due to injury, Ingram took over as the primary offensive threat and rose above expectations. Ingram thrived with the ball in his hands more and had the green light to take shots. He made his first All-Star appearance this season in a loaded Western Conference.
- Ingram had a solid start to his NBA career but really exploded onto the scene this season. He was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft and spent three years there. He did make the 2017 All-Rookie Team and he made improvements in each of his first three seasons, but he struggled to live up to the expectations of a top draft pick.
- Ingram’s issues in LA were compounded by the arrival of LeBron James. When LeBron is on your team, you’re in win-now mode and the media has a microscope on you. That’s a lot for any 21-year-old and James and Ingram were never a great fit together on the court. Ingram’s 2018-2019 season ended with a blood clot in his shoulder and the Lakers missed the postseason. A blood clot is a terrifying injury and it has ended the careers of NBA players like Mirza Teletovic and Chris Bosh.
- The Lakers dealt Ingram to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a huge trade package for superstar forward Anthony Davis. Ingram’s health was a questionable part of the trade and the Pelicans did not offer him a rookie extension. That means Ingram is a restricted free agent this offseason. Fortunately, it seems that the blood clot is behind him and the Most Improved Player award and All-Star selection should ensure Ingram a lucrative payday.
Ingram could be looking at a max deal this offseason. His breakout 2020 season and the weaker free agency class means that teams will shell out the big bucks for him. Because he is a restricted free agent, the Pelicans will have the opportunity to match any offer he gets from other teams.
