Brandon Ingram's Struggles On Team USA, Patrick Beverley Supportive
New Orleans, LA - Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram isn't having the impact on the box score most thought the star would during the FIBA World Cup games. Through three World Cup games, Ingram is averaging just 4.6 points a game in about 15 minutes per contest. After Team USA's victory against New Zealand, Ingram voiced his frustration over his role with the team.
"This is totally different than what I am used to," Ingram told Joe Vardon of The Athletic. He continued, "The team is winning right now, so I can't be selfish thinking about myself. But it's a little frustrating right now for me, and I'm just trying to figure out ways I can be effective."
After the second game, one sports site tried to create a divide by asking if Austin Reaves start over Brandon Ingram for the U.S. Team. The outspoken Philadelphia 76ers guard went on social media to encourage fans to rally behind the national team.
Coincidentally, before Team USA's latest game versus Jordan, Head Coach Steve Kerr replaced Ingram in the starting lineup in favor of Josh Hart. Despite the least amount of minutes played during the games that count, Ingram scored the most points (7) in the opening three games.
Coach Kerr said he wanted to tinker with the lineup, so he replaced Ingram in the starting lineup. "So we just felt like it was important to take a look at Josh in the starting group and Brandon in the next group and see if the combinations fit......We haven't made a decision moving forward, but we just wanted a new look at things."
It is unclear moving forward if this is a permanent or just a one-game trial run. Either way, Ingram is taking the change in stride. He told Yahoo Sports he was informed of the change before game time. Despite coming off the bench for the first time since his rookie season, he is embracing the opportunity to play amongst the NBA elite.
"I was able to get prepared for it. It was just a different lineup, and I was excited about the opportunity." Whether or not Ingram gets to start again remains to be seen. No doubt the experience with the National Team will have an effect on the star forward for this upcoming year. Pelicans fans hope that effect translates to success for their team in the regular season.
