Pelicans Breathe Sigh of Relief: Ingram’s Injury Not Serious

• He is playing for the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA
• He will miss at least two weeks after sustaining a bone contusion
• He sustained the injury in Pelicans loss to the Orlando Magic

Brandon Ingram is a two-time NBA Star currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans and will miss two weeks after suffering a bone contusion on his left knee. At the time of the incident, the Pelicans were competing against the Orlando Magic but they lost.

Born in North Carolina in 1997, the player’s passion for the sport was evident from a young age. He attended Kinston High School where he excelled in basketball, leading his team to four consecutive state championships. This success culminated in him being named North Carolina’s Mr. Basketball.

After high school, he chose to play college basketball for Duke University. He played for the Blue Devils for only one season and in his short stint, he was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year. Ingram decided to declare for the NBA draft and he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Brandon Ingram personal life

Brandon Ingram was born on September 2, 1997, in North Carolina to Donald and Joann Ingram, and he has two half-siblings, an elder brother Donovan and, a sister Brittany.

Brandon Ingram. Photo/Sky Sports

His father was a high school and collegiate referee who instilled the rules and fundamentals of the game in his son from a young age.

His home city was then known for its high crime rate but the player chose to focus on basketball to avoid trouble. His elder brother allowed him to play with his friends and this was his turning point.

During his high school years, he was dating a lady by the name of Tiffany but they broke up before their graduation. He then dated Raelyn Inez and Amber Washington later on, and both relationships seem to have ended shortly after.

In 2018, Aaleeyah Petty claimed Ingram was the father of her child. Recently, she has hinted at having another child with a different NBA player.

Brandon Ingram’s career journey

His career journey’s exodus can be based at Kinston High School where he excelled in the game, leading his team to four consecutive state championships. The success culminated in him being named North Carolina’s Mr. Basketball.

The player chose to play college basketball for Duke University. However, he only played for one season for the Blue Devils. Despite his short stint, he impressed enough to be named the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year. 

He then declared for the 2016 NBA draft and was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, a decision that proved successful, as he earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

With the Lakers, he played for three seasons then was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in a package for Anthony Davis, a trade that was pivotal in his development under coach Alvin Gentry.

He earned his first NBA All-Star selection and the Most Improved Player in 2020, continued to refine his offensive game, becoming a more well-rounded scorer. With his defensive contributions, he signed a lucrative deal with the Pelicans where he has been playing and recently had a left knee injury.

Ingram benefits with the Pelicans

After being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, Ingram played alongside established stars. On joining the Pelicans, he became a focal point of the offense and this increased responsibility allowed him to develop his scoring skills and become a more confident leader.

The Pelicans ran a system that emphasized offensive freedom and spacing that suited his skill set. The team’s belief in him also boosted his confidence and motivation to excel, with his statistics going higher.

Brandon Ingram. Photo/Silver Screen and Roll

All these factors helped him earn his first All-Star selection and the Most Improved Player Award.

Ingram’s recent injury

Brandon Ingram recently suffered a knee injury during a game against the Orlando Magic while defending an opponent. His left knee had an injury that caused him to collapse and leave the game in pain.

The Pelicans announced he will be re-evaluated in two weeks, a timeframe that suggests a potential return before the playoffs which begin around mid April.