New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram headlines one of the biggest “snub class” in NBA All-Star Game history this year. While obviously disappointed that the league did not recognize the strides he made to his game this season, the 23-year-old swingman said he will just use the slight as fuel to further elevate his game to an even higher level.
“I took it as motivation. Of course, I've got to be self-aware, and say that if it was questioned, maybe I'm not doing enough. Maybe I need to get more wins. I'll be good enough to not have it questioned anymore,” Ingram shared, per Jim Eichenhofer of Pelicans.com.
To be fair, Brandon Ingram is not the only notable name left out of the All-Star conversation this year. Names like Domantas Sabonis, Trae Young, Bam Adebayo and several other deserving players have somehow been excluded from the festivities at State Farm Arena in Atlanta next month.
Even Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker did not initially make it and was only included as an injury replacement for Anthony Davis. If there's any consolation for Ingram, his Pelicansteammate Zion Williamson did make it as a West reserve, so the Pels will at least still be represented.
After failing to meet expectations in his early years with the Los Angeles Lakers, Ingram has turned into a legitimate franchise player since moving to NOLA in that blockbuster Davis trade. He deservingly won the Most Improved Player award in 2020-21 and was named an All-Star for the first time.
The Duke alum has gotten even better this season with the Pelicans, tallying 24.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 47 percent from the field and a career-best 39.7 percent clip from past the arc.
A day after being snubbed, Ingram came out with a statement performance against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, recording 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in the Pelicans' win.
The league, meanwhile, has been the most talented as its ever been in years. Some pundits feel that a 24-man All-Star roster won't cut it anymore and the NBA should increase that to 15 each from the two conferences.
Ingram may have not made it this year, but the Pelicans youngster will definitely be an All-Star for years to come.
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