Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans has been a big revelation this 2019-20 NBA season. The 22-year-old drew comparisons to Kevin Durant when he entered the league in 2016 but was nowhere close to proving it. A change in scenery did the trick and now the 6-foot-10 cager is unleashing his true potential.

As previously reported, Ingram already vowed he would step up with Zion Williamson still out with a knee injury. He is not fond of losing and believed he could do better and lead the team. And so he did.

Ingram dropped a career-high 40 points for the Pelicans in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. He also had five rebounds and the same number of assists in 37 minutes of action. Although it would have been sweeter if New Orleans won, it was pretty clear that Ingram has a chip on his shoulder. And would that include proving he has the makings of another Kevin Durant?

When he hardly blossomed with the Lakers, all those comparisons with Durant died down. Before being forced out last season due to deep venous thrombosis. Some felt it would hamper his NBA future, others even suggesting that his pro ball career may be over. But being the fighter that he is, Ingram weathered the storm and came back. The only thing is no one expected him to be this good.

Ingram holds averages of 25.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. He seems to be flattered being compared to Durant, someone he admits that is his idol. However, he believes he is a better passer compared to the former NBA MVP, Yahoo Sports reported.

“I get the hypest when my teammate is going off, when I can find my teammate on the wing, and he's knocking shots down and he's feeling confident. That's when I feel good,” Ingram said. “When I play at my pace, I'm looking to shoot, but also to pass. I’m obsessed with making the right play.”

It will be interesting if Ingram can play at the same level once Williamson is back in the lineup. His averages could fall a bit once that time comes. But like any player, all Ingram wants is to win games and this is regardless if he scores tons of points or not.

The Pelicans will host the defending champion Toronto Raptors at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Nov. 8. Tip-off will start at 8 p.m. EST.

Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram needs to be careful of his blood clot issue before deciding on when to make his NBA return. Brandon Ingram #14 and JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers react after a timeout trailing the Philadelphia 76ers during a 121-105 76ers win at Staples Center on January 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images/Harry How
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