2. Brandon Ingram receives some praise
Depending on who you listen to, you will get a wide range of opinions about Brandon Ingram. Some people are already writing off the former No. 2 overall pick. Others point to his age, as he is still only 21-years old, saying you need to let him develop. During this road trip, Ingram played rather well.
Ingram has struggled at times to adjust to life alongside LeBron James. Of the young core, his game meshes the least with James. Despite that, we have seen flashes of the player Ingram is capable of being.
Ingram had modest averages, putting up 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Outside of the game against the Celtics, in which he shot 4-of-14, Ingram was efficient. If you take that game out, he shot 50 percent. His 3-point shot is still not falling this season, but he is not letting that deter him from scoring the ball.
The biggest takeaway for Ingram during this road trip was his defense. Ingram received some praise from Celtics’ point guard, Kyrie Irving, for how he performed against him defensively.
Kyrie: "Being guarded by Brandon Ingram most of the game, I can’t even lie to you guys, those guys on the defensive end are unusual. Driving lanes that I see against every other team, they were closing down the lane."
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) February 8, 2019
Irving is one of the most gifted offensive players in the league, so for him to talk so highly about Ingram’s defense is some high praise.