The New Orleans Pelicans claimed the eighth and final playoff seed in a dramatic win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, April 15th, 2022. Today, They will participate in their first playoff game since 2018 against the loaded Suns. Led by Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans are hoping to bring the magic of basketball back to the Crescent City, on the biggest stage. For a team that started off 1-13, this is an impressive feat, as they went against all odds to scratch and claw their way to this playoff spot. Now, they get the chance to showcase their grit, behind their fearless leader and budding star in BI. Is It Brandon Ingram’s turn to prove he’s a star? This year’s playoffs will show us what he’s made of.
Brandon’s Journey
Brandon Ingram’s career has been one of turmoil and massive expectations. The number two pick in the 2016 NBA Draft came into the league starting with the Los Angeles Lakers. Right after Kobe Bryant retired. Yes, this is the mountain of expectation and void BI had to fill as a rookie. Laker land expects championships every year. For a young 6’9″ wing whose ceiling is unbelievable, they didn’t have time to wait for him to develop into a star.
Even though he gradually improved each year the win count didn’t equate to his growth. Plus, in his third season, the Lakers signed LeBron James. Therefore, the pressure rose to a fiery peak ready to explode. And BI’s time to develop started running out faster in the purple and gold. Fast forward through a tumultuous season and a scary life-threatening injury, BI became the centerpiece of the Anthony Davis trade. Thus, beginning his tenure as a New Orleans Pelican.
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Brandon’s Turn
And this is where his star shined the brightest. Void of expectations and given the ability to be a number one option BI earned that coveted All-Star selection. Plus a most improved player award in a breakout season. Thus, a star was born in New Orleans. Brandon looked like he was going to be a great number two to the number one draft pick in Zion Williamson in a great 2019-20 campaign. But, the Pelicans fell short of the playoffs in Brandon’s first two seasons. Bad roster moves and coaching decisions can be attributed to these failures. However, BI stayed consistent and continued to grow until it was his turn. The future still looked bright for this young player.
Brandon’s sixth has granted him the opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to play in the playoffs. Even though Zion has been out for the entire season. Plus the Pelicans started 1-13 (a lot of those games BI missed too). They still rallied together and finished the season with a 36-46 record. Enough for a play-in spot. All led behind Brandon’s spectacular and consistent play. And in the two play-in games, Brandon put up spectacular numbers and came through in the right moments to help his team get over the hump. This showcase of his talent proved that he is part of the next wave of vanguards as the league’s brightest for years to come. It proves that he’s on par with his peers, and is a superstar in the making. It’s Brandon Ingram’s turn to show what he’s made of.
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The Pelicans face the Suns Sunday, April 17th in Phoenix for Game 1 on TNT at 9 pm Eastern time.
Game 2 in Phoenix on Tuesday at 10 pm.
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