USA Today via Reuters
Dec 14, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) shoots the ball over Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 14, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) shoots the ball over Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Every team needs a leader, one who is vocal and guides his teammates. But New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram is not the usual leader. He prefers to lead by example and do it quietly.
On his recent podcast, Pelicans teammate JJ Redick asked Ingram if his quiet nature is part of his personality.
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Ingram replied, “It’s definitely not my personality. It’s kinda intentional. I think it comes from my childhood, just seeing a lot of things around and just having an awareness at all times. When I present myself, I want people to know exactly me instead of like other stuff that’s promoting. I like to get to know people a little bit before I listen.”
While he is active on Instagram, his Twitter hasn’t been used in over two years. But one of his last tweets sums up exactly what he lives by.
U know a wise man once said nun at all lol
— Brandon X. Ingram (@B_Ingram13) July 24, 2018
Brandon Ingram: The quiet alpha
After being drafted in 2016 by the Lakers, he had to step up as the leader of their young team. His then coach Luke Walton didn’t mind him being quiet and said, “You can definitely be a quiet alpha.”
When the Lakers got LeBron James, Ingram didn’t have to be the leader anymore. But they didn’t find any success together, so he was later traded to the Pelicans, who were also looking for a leader. This time he rose to the occasion.
In his first season with the Pelicans last year, Ingram averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. During the off-season, the Pelicans lost Jrue Holiday, who was also one of the leaders in the team. This departure just increases the responsibility on Ingram’s shoulders, but once again, Ingram is not backing down from the challenge.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) moves to the basket as Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends during the second quarter at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
In their first three games, Ingram is averaging 26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. He has led them to two wins which have come against the Toronto Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs.
His main responsibility on the Pelicans this season will be to get them to the playoffs. The last time they reached the playoffs was in 2018. They have a capable roster currently, and they will be expected to end this run soon.
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