Photo: New Orleans Pelicans/Twitter

Completing his fourth year with the New Orleans Pelicans, 25-year-old Brandon Ingram is not only making his mark on the court but also forging a deep bond with the city.

Despite battling injuries that limited his appearances in the 2022-23 regular season to 45 games, Ingram’s career soared with a remarkable average of 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in 34.2 minutes per game.

Ingram’s sentiments about New Orleans were candid and heartwarming. He expressed his affection for the city’s conducive environment for his growth, stating, “I love New Orleans. It’s perfect for me and the way I want to operate. Less distractions. I can go play basketball whenever I want to. I’ve got direct access to the facility… I feel connected with New Orleans and the people around me,” as shared by William Guillory of The Athletic.

Addressing the trade rumors that occasionally circulate, Ingram highlighted his open communication with the Pelicans’ front office. “I’ll hear from the front office when [a trade rumor] pops up and they’ll tell me exactly what’s going on and how to feel about it. Any information that’s out there, they’ll clarify it and tell me if it was true or false,” he explained.

Acknowledging the business nature of the NBA, Ingram maintained his focus on the game while recognizing the possibility of changes. “I’m not too into what everybody was putting out there, but none of it bothered me. I also know this is a business, though, and I’ve got to be prepared for anything.”