New Orleans Pelicans small forward Brandon Ingram was surprised by his parents and Lonzo Ball on Monday during a call with team governor Gayle Benson.

Ingram had no idea he was about to be named the 2019-20 Most Improved Player of the Year.

This is special on so many levels. Brandon Ingram dealt with a serious medical issue in 2018-19 with the Los Angeles Lakers and there were speculations that the talented forward would have to end his career early like Chris Bosh.

Fortunately, that wasn't the case and Ingram is now an All-Star and Most Improved Player awardee. You can see his parents and Pelicans teammate Lonzo Ball are so proud of him considering everything he has been through.

Ingram averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game for the Pelicans in 2019-20. He also shot 46.3 percent from the field, 39.1 percent from beyond the arc and 85.1 percent from the free-throw line.

This could be a life-changing offseason for Ingram and his family, as the former Duke star becomes a restricted free agent. Multiple reports have stated the Pelicans are expected to sign Ingram to a max deal. After all, it would be rather unproductive to acquire Ingram from the Lakers in the Antony Davis trade, only to have him leave after one year.

The Pelicans want to build their team around Ingram, Ball, Zion Williamson and Jrue Holiday moving forward. They have to hire a new coach first, though, after firing Alvin Gentry.

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