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Brandon Ingram: The Rise of the New Orleans Pelicans' Star Forward
Published March 24, 2026 · TrendNet Editorial
Key Facts:
- Brandon Ingram is an American professional basketball player.
- He was drafted 2nd overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016.
- Ingram currently plays for the New Orleans Pelicans.
- He averaged 23.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in the 2020-2021 season.
Early Life and High School Career
Brandon Ingram was born on September 2, 1997, in Kinston, North Carolina. He grew up in a basketball-loving family and was introduced to the sport at a young age. Ingram's father, Donald, was a basketball coach, and his mother, Joann, was a teacher. He has two siblings, a brother, and a sister.
Ingram attended Kinston High School, where he played basketball and quickly gained recognition as one of the top high school players in the country. He was a consensus five-star recruit and was ranked as the number one player in the class of 2015 by ESPN.
During his senior year, Ingram averaged 24.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, leading his team to a 28-2 record and a state championship. He was named the North Carolina Mr. Basketball and was a McDonald's All-American.
College Career and NBA Draft
Ingram chose to attend Duke University, where he played for the Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team. During his freshman year, he averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, earning him a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team.
Ingram decided to forgo his remaining three years of eligibility and enter the 2016 NBA draft. He was drafted 2nd overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, behind Ben Simmons.
NBA Career
Ingram made his NBA debut on October 26, 2016, against the Houston Rockets. He scored 10 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and had 2 assists in 24 minutes of play. During his rookie season, Ingram averaged 9.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
In 2019, Ingram was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, along with Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball, and three first-round picks, in exchange for Anthony Davis. During the 2020-2021 season, Ingram averaged 23.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, making him a key player for the Pelicans.
Impact and Future Outlook
Brandon Ingram has established himself as one of the top young players in the NBA. His ability to score, rebound, and pass the ball has made him a valuable asset to the New Orleans Pelicans. With his continued growth and development, Ingram is expected to be a key player in the league for years to come.
As the Pelicans look to build a strong team around Ingram, they will need to make smart roster moves and develop their young players. With Ingram's talent and work ethic, the Pelicans have a bright future ahead of them.
What to Watch Next
As the NBA season continues, keep an eye on Brandon Ingram and the New Orleans Pelicans. With their young core and talented roster, they are a team to watch in the Western Conference. Will they make a deep playoff run, or will they fall short? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - Brandon Ingram will be a key player in their success.
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