Miami Heat Roundtable: Brandon Ingram A Fit In South Beach? – Noah’s Take
Over the course of his career, Brandon Ingram has evolved into a phenomenal basketball player. His length allows him to be a terrific shot creator and his skill allows him to be an incredible scorer.
Ingram has proven he can be an effective scorer from all areas on the floor.
Noah’s Take (@ndeckerbuckets)
What I like most about Brandon Ingram is that he is always showing signs of improvement and he has the motor to continue to do so. Ingram elevated his scoring average from 18.3 points per game during the 2018-2019 season to 23.8 points per game the next season.
Although he made vast improvements to his shot creating after arriving in New Orleans, the thing that stands out to me the most is the improvement in his free throw shooting. Ingram went from a career 66 percent free throw shooter to about 85 percent.
Another feature of Ingram is his incredibly long wingspan. This gives him the potential to be an excellent wing defender.
While he hasn’t exactly lived up to his potential so far in the early stages of his career, he is likely to figure it out soon, especially if he ends up on the Miami Heat. I like the fit with the Miami Heat.
Miami is in need of a scorer who can create his own shot- he provides that, and more. As much as I like the fit, I’m just not sold.
One reservation I have about Ingram is that I don’t see him as the first or second scoring option on a championship team. He is becoming one of the best scorers the NBA has to offer, but so far, none of it has translated into team success.
The Miami Heat can’t afford that. They need to win while Jimmy Butler is playing at his best.
As for how realistic a Brandon Ingram trade to the Heat is, I don’t see it happening unless he actually requests a trade. The Pelicans’ biggest concern right now is keeping Zion Williamson happy, especially since recent reports say he is frustrated with them.
If Ingram were traded to the Heat, the Pelicans would likely get young assets in return. Trading away an All-Star and failing to receive one in return would be a bad look for a team trying to keep their franchise player, especially because the Pelicans already have plenty of upcoming draft picks where they can seek out young talent.
While I don’t expect the Heat to get Ingram for next season, crazier things have happened in the NBA. Even though I don’t fully trust Ingram as a primary scorer, I know that he would definitely help the Miami Heat.