(Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
Brandon Ingram is perhaps the best player for the New Orleans Pelicans.
He is undoubtedly one of the most talented and exciting stars in the NBA today.
Therefore, when he signed up to play for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup, fans were expecting big things from him.
So far, he hasn’t delivered and JJ Redick spoke about why on “The Old Man & the Three” podcast, via ClutchPoints.
Redick said that while some players on the roster, such as Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Austin Reaves have adjusted to being role players, Ingram has not.
He has never been the third option – and definitely not a fifth – for his NBA teams.
He is not used to playing like this and, therefore, hasn’t been able to become what Team USA needs.
“All the guys that have had success on this team have had to shape-shift roles in the NBA. For them, it’s easier to come on a team where your role is [different].”
JJ Redick on Brandon Ingram’s struggles at the FIBA World Cup
(via @OldManAndThree)pic.twitter.com/c8M2I9wtXZ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 4, 2023
The difference between Ingram in the World Cup and the regular season is stark.
In 2022-23, Ingram averaged 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists.
So far in the World Cup, he has put up just 5.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
Ironically, his best game came during the team’s sole loss, as he scored 10 points against Lithuania over the weekend.
Ingram has spent the last few years being a leader for the Pelicans.
Because of the absence of Zion Williamson, Ingram has stepped up and the team’s entire offense has revolved around him.
But that’s not the case with Team USA.
The team came into the World Cup without a definitive leader.
Instead, it is composed of role players who are all chipping away together in a collective approach to winning.
Ingram isn’t used to this and it shows.
The bad news for Ingram is that he is receiving a negative reaction from fans who expect more from him.
But the good news is that he still has time to turn things around and remind people just how special he is.
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