Brandon Ingram: Previewing Pelicans 2023-2024 Season

Ingram looks for the disappointment of last season to fuel success for him and the Pelicans.

New Orleans, LA - A lot hasn't gone right lately for New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram. Last season, he dealt with many injuries that caused him to play the fewest games of his career. During the summer with Team USA Men's National Team, Ingram was benched midway through the FIBA World Cup. Toward the end, he developed an upper respiratory illness that caused him to miss the final two games. Team USA lost both games and failed to medal in the tournament. 

Ingram averaged 5.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in 6 FIBA World Cup appearances. It wasn't quite the momentum he hoped for heading into the new year. He admitted it did allow him to ramp up quicker in preparation for the upcoming season, one that's important for him and the Pelicans.

B.I. enters the 2023-2024 season in the second-to-last year on his existing contract. He opted not to engage in contract talks over the summer. Instead, he can maximize his earning potential by having an All-NBA caliber season. Making the All-NBA team this year allows Ingram to become eligible for a 'Supermax' extension. Under the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement, B.I. is required to appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for All-NBA honors.

Ingram has not appeared in that many games since his rookie year in the league with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite injuries a season ago, B.I. had career-highs in points (24.7), assists (5.8), and shot 39% from three, the second-highest of his career. 

Apr 1, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) reacts during a stop in play after being fouled by LA Clippers center Mason Plumlee (44) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

In a surprising twist this offseason, the normally subdued Ingram stepped into the spotlight with an announcement of a sneaker deal with the Jordan Brand. He joins teammate Zion Williamson and other stars in the league such as Jayson Tatum and Luke Doncic as members of the Jordan Brand roster. 

“Signing with Jordan Brand is a game-changer,” Ingram said in an official release statement. “A life-changer, and now that it is a reality, I can’t wait to do special things together on and off the court.”

On the court, Ingram and the Pelicans aspire to be in contention in a crowded Western Conference. Health has led the team to fall short of its expectations for success. Ingram, Zion Williamson, and CJ McCollum have played ten regular season games together. The goal for the team is to make it back to postseason play.

"We know this last summer was a long summer for us," Ingram told reporters at Media Day. "We don't want that to happen again....... One of (Coach) Wille's messages is for us to play in the postseason." 

The Pelicans are counting on B.I. to continue his play on the court while remaining healthy to help the team win games. Success will allow Ingram and the Pelicans to erase the disappointment of last season with sustained success moving forward.