Tag: Brandon Ingram

The NBA made the right call by shutting down its G League Ignite team

The NBA needs to shift its resources around to make a better future for the league

Welcome to Layup Lines, For the Win’s basketball newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Have feedback for the Layup Lines Crew? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey. Now, here’s Mike Sykes

Happy Friday, folks! Welcome back to Layup Lines. Thanks so much for joining me today. I hope you’ve had an amazing week.

Let’s talk a bit about Thursday’s NBA G League Ignite news. Shortly after it broke, I popped a quick explainer about the league’s decision on the Ignite team and what caused it.

Essentially, Adam Silver and the company decided that the team didn’t have purpose anymore. With NIL deals in college sports and the Overtime Elite league being another option for young hoopers, the NBA decided it didn’t need a team just to pay the players anymore. That’s the rationale behind the closure.

I’d push back a bit on that, though. That was never really the point of the Ignite team. Paying players was part of the impetus, sure. But the NBA wanted to establish its own prep-to-pro pipeline that ensured more players were coming into the league ready to play NBA basketball.

This is still a problem in Adam Silver’s eyes — particularly with American-born players. Ironically enough, when he alluded to canning the G League Ignite squad a few months back, he expounded on that exact point. The next goal for the NBA seems to be improving that process.

“If you’re seeing now, what we’re seeing in terms of that close to 30 percent of the league, players born outside the United States, it’s clear that the development is very different in many of those programs,” Silver said. “More of a focus on practice, less of a focus on games, which seems to be the opposite of many of the youth programs in the United States.”

Silver continued, “I think there’s an opportunity for us to be part of the community that’s developing younger players, elite players.”

To me, this sounds a lot like a pivot. Instead of focusing its resources on players transitioning to pro, Silver seems to want to focus more on ensuring players are prepared for the NBA before they begin to think about that process. At least, that’s how I read that.

The NBA already has its Jr. NBA and WNBA programs. An NBA academy pipeline already exists and has plenty of success stories. But maybe Silver sees a way to improve it that we’re not privy to yet. I’m not totally sure, but I do like where his head seems to be.

As great as the Ignite program was, it didn’t seem to work. It didn’t attract the talent the NBA thought it would. This year’s team isn’t very good either – the team is 2-28 through 30 games. That isn’t very good.

Instead of wasting resources on a failing project, a pivot is more than welcome here.

The Pelicans might be in some trouble

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans was flying high in our latest NBA Power Rankings, climbing all the way to 5th after winning eight of its last 10 games.

But now, that climb is at risk of turning into a slow descent. The injury bug is back in New Orleans after Brandon Ingram hyperextended his knee in Thursday’s loss to the Magic.

READ MORE: The Celtics are still at the top of the NBA, but the Pelicans are soaring with the contenders now

Ingram will be out for at least the next couple of weeks, according to the latest from the team, and will be re-evaluated. There’s a possibility he could miss even more time.

The timing couldn’t be worse. There is only about a month left in the season before the playoffs start, and the Pelicans were just a game behind the Clippers for the No. 4 seed in the West. This drawback could drop them even further in the standings if the team struggles to win without its second-best player.

Maybe Zion Williamson’s play is enough to sustain all this. We’ll have to wait and see. But, regardless, this is a big blow.

Shootaround

— Nikola Jokic is ridiculous, man. This pass doesn’t make any sense. Here’s Bryan Kalbrosky with more.

— Prince Grimes has more on J.B. Bickerstaff’s problems with sports betting. This is becoming a common theme in the NBA these days.

— John Calipari and two of the best NBA prospects are out of March Madness. I wrote about that upset in TMW this morning. Check it out.

— On the women’s side, UConn’s Aaliyah Edwards has declared for the WNBA draft, leaving some fans in shambles. Here’s Meg Hall with more.

That’s all, folks! We’ll chat again next week. Until then! Peace. Have a fantastic weekend.

-Sykes

Takeaways: Jalen Green continues 30-point scoring binge as Pelicans clip Rockets

Jonas Valanciunas and the Pelicans bullied Houston on the glass, but Jalen Green (31 points) continued his torrid stretch in a competitive loss by the Rockets.

HOUSTON — In the midpoint of a three-game homestand at Toyota Center, the Rockets couldn’t survive an unusually poor night by big man Alperen Sengun in Wednesday night’s 110-99 loss (box score) to the Pelicans. With the win, New Orleans (27-21) defeated Houston (22-25) for the first time in three tries this season.

Sengun, an All-Star candidate, had 10 points and 10 rebounds but shot just 4-of-11 from the field (36.4%). Making matters worse, his opponent — bruising big man Jonas Valanciunas of the Pelicans — was dominant with 25 points (66.7% FG) and 14 rebounds.

Still, the Rockets kept it competitive and came within a possession midway through the second half thanks to another spectacular game from a resurgent Jalen Green. The third-year guard finished with 31 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, shooting 11-of-20 from the field (55.0%) and 5-of-12 on 3-pointers (41.7%).

In his last five outings, Green is averaging a team-high 29.8 points per game while shooting 51.5% overall and 35.5% on 3-pointers.

Rookie guard Cam Whitmore added 17 points and 2 steals in 20 minutes off the bench, shooting 6-of-12 overall (50.0%) and 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%). But that wasn’t nearly enough when Valanciunas and the Pelicans bullied Sengun and the Rockets on the glass, with a commanding 56-29 rebounding margin proving decisive.

Making matters worse, Rockets outside of Green and Whitmore only connected on 5-of-25 from 3-point range (20.0%). Jabari Smith Jr., making just his second start since returning from an ankle injury, didn’t score and missed all four of his 3-pointers. He had just 1 rebound in 22 minutes and was a team-worst -19 over that time.

Brandon Ingram added 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Pelicans, who were without Zion Williamson and Herbert Jones on Wednesday due to injuries. Tari Eason again sat out for the Rockets.

Here’s our look at Wednesday’s highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. As the homestand concludes, next up for the Rockets is Friday’s matchup versus the Toronto Raptors (17-30). Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Central.

Adam Silver’s longest NBA on-court suspensions, including Draymond Green

Adam Silver has only issued a handful of multi-game suspensions for on-court incidents.

Since taking over for David Stern, commissioner Adam Silver has not issued suspensions as often or for as long. But some still stand out.

Even though Silver does not have much reputation as a disciplinarian as the NBA’s commissioner, there are a few moments that have required him to be a bit more strict than usual.

While there are unfortunately several off-court incidents that have needed attention from Silver, it is rare that something that has happened during an actual game has led to a player receiving forced time away from the team.

But the recent suspension of Golden State’s Draymond Green for his violent chokehold of Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert led us to wonder how this compares to other on-court suspensions Silver has issued.

According to research from For The Win, per Spotrac, the NBA has now issued 15 multi-game suspensions for on-court incidents since Silver took over as league commissioner in 2014.

Based on what we found, here is what caused each of the suspensions:

Rockets celebrate fifth straight win as Fred VanVleet takes over late versus Pelicans

Despite trailing for most of the second half, the #Rockets won their fifth straight game after an electric 8-0 burst in the final 80 seconds by Fred VanVleet.

In the sixth game of a season-long homestand and the opener of the NBA’s new in-season tournament for both teams, the Rockets continued their winning ways in Friday’s 104-101 victory (box score) over New Orleans. It’s the fifth straight win for Houston, which is now 5-3 on the 2023-24 season and 1-0 in tournament play.

The Rockets trailed for most of the second half but outscored the Pelicans by 12 in a decisive fourth quarter, with veteran guard Fred VanVleet going on a personal 8-0 run in the final 80 seconds. That turned a 5-point Houston deficit into a 3-point lead with 15 seconds left.

VanVleet finished with 20 points and 8 assists, and he made 4-of-9 from 3-poitn range (44.4%) — including a pair of daggers in that closing flurry that set Toyota Center into a frenzy.

Jalen Green led the Rockets in scoring with 25 points and 4 rebounds on Friday, while Alperen Sengun added an efficient 24 points and 8 rebounds on 11-of-15 shooting (73.3%).

In a losing effort, Brandon Ingram scored a game-high 31 points on 11-of-24 shooting (45.8%). Zion Williamson added 24 points and 8 rebounds on 8-of-16 from the field (50.0%), though it’s worth noting that Houston’s strong defense forced those two stars into nine turnovers. That matched the entire team total for the Rockets, who had half as many giveaways as the 18 by the Pelicans.

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston, as its extended run at Toyota Center concludes, is Sunday’s matchup versus defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets. Tipoff is at 6 p.m. Central.

Brandon Ingram wore the silliest hot dog costume during open practice for the Pelicans

Ingram in the glizzy suit!

The Pelicans hosted an open practice at the Smoothie King Center on Sunday afternoon in New Orleans and Brandon Ingram made quite an entrance.

Ingram, who averaged 24.7 points per game for the Pelicans last season, is one of the most important players in the organization for New Orleans. But he helped keep a very light tone in front of the fans over the weekend as he entered the arena while wearing a very silly hot dog costume.

The former No. 2 overall pick seemed tickled by his decision to dress up in such an absurd outfit. Ingram was seen smiling and pointing to the fans as he made his way onto the court.

Look at how much fun he is having out there!

Here is another angle of Ingram wearing the suit, captured in the tunnel:

Ingram wasn’t the only player on the Pelicans to rock this look, though.

EJ Liddell and Jordan Hawkins were also wearing hot dog suits on Sunday.

[lawrence-related id=2042746,2036022,2019330]

Could Austin Reaves be recruiting Team USA teammates to the Lakers?

It looks like the Lakers’ Austin Reaves may be stealing a page from LeBron James’ playbook by recruiting his Team USA teammates to L.A.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been doing well with Team USA as it prepares for the start of the FIBA World Cup just days from now.

The team went 5-0 in its exhibition games, and Reaves turned in some nice performances. It will face New Zealand in group play on Aug. 26.

The undrafted Arkansas native has made a nice impression on his Team USA teammates. In fact, he hinted he may be trying to recruit at least one of them to eventually join him in Los Angeles.

Via The Athletic:

“Reaves has even played into the idea of being a lead recruiter for the Lakers, following a long line of Team USA being the soil for seeding super teams — most famously in 2008 when (LeBron) James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh formed a bond that led them to team up in Miami in 2010,” wrote Jovan Buha.

“‘I can’t speak on that,’ Reaves said, laughing. ‘But I like some of the guys we’re playing with. So … yeah.'”

While there isn’t a James or Wade on this edition of Team USA, there are a few men who could help the Lakers transition into life after James.

Brandon Ingram praises Austin Reaves’ consistency and focus

Former Lakers forward Brandon Ingram had some detailed praise for current Lakers guard Austin Reaves, his Team USA teammate.

[anyclip pubname=”2123″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8170″]

Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers is doing well so far as a member of Team USA as it prepares for the FIBA World Cup this month. The team has done well in exhibition games, going 4-0 after a blowout win over Greece on Friday.

It appears Reaves is building a bond with New Orleans Pelicans star  Brandon Ingram, a former Laker. Reaves recently said of all his Team USA teammates, he’s most excited to take the floor with Ingram.

The forward returned the favor by praising Reaves for a couple of his traits.

Via Los Angeles Times:

“From afar, I’ve watched him,” Ingram said. “The one thing I’ve noticed is that he’s consistent at how he plays and he doesn’t do anything outside of how he plays. And he’s really detailed on the defensive end, whether it’s him being in front of the ball, boxing out on a rebound, whatever it is, he does it.

“He’s going to be good for us.”

Reaves scored a very efficient 11 points on Friday. He and the rest of the squad will begin group play on Aug. 26 versus New Zealand.

Tyrese Haliburton found Jalen Brunson’s wallet and used it on a vending machine spending spree

Jalen Brunson didn’t realize he was buying snacks for Team USA.

After an exhibition game for Team USA in Las Vegas on Monday, guard Jalen Brunson forgot his wallet. His teammate, Tyrese Haliburton, found it.

Haliburton, however, rewarded himself and fellow Team USA star Brandon Ingram to a spending spree at the nearest vending machine before returning the wallet back to Brunson.

Due to Brunson’s blunder, Haliburton ended up with a free pack of Funyuns. Ingram, meanwhile, collected a nice bounty of Gatorade, Ruffles potato chips and a cinammon roll.

This looked like a hilarious bonding moment for Haliburton and Ingram outside of T-Mobile Arena following a victory over Puerto Rico.

More likely than not, it probably taught Brunson a lesson about being more careful to remember his personal belongings.

Otherwise, you never know who is going to end up with a free pack of chips on your dime!

[lawrence-related id=2114907,2114580,2077263,2113671]

Austin Reaves talks about playing with former Laker Brandon Ingram on Team USA

Lakers guard Austin Reaves says he’s most excited to play with Brandon Ingram, a former Laker, on Team USA.

[anyclip pubname=”2123″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8170″]

Several years ago, forward Brandon Ingram was an integral part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ attempt to rebuild following Kobe Bryant’s Achilles injury and retirement.

Ingram emerged as a standout player within a couple of years, and after he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in the Anthony Davis deal, he became a borderline star. Many Lakers fans still have a fondness for him and would welcome him back with open arms.

He is on Team USA preparing for the FIBA World Cup, which will take place later this summer. One of his teammates is current Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who said he is most excited to play with Ingram.

Via Lakers Nation:

“I think Brandon Ingram is someone that’s just like, I don’t even know how tall he is, arms long as (expletive) and just gets to his spot and he’s never rushed. Really (excited to play with) everybody honestly, we’ve got such a talented team that you know the main thing for us is just to mesh it together and you know figure out how to play off one another. Kind of use each other to you know benefit each other. But, I’ll learn a little bit of something from everybody.”

Team USA has started practicing, and it looks like Reaves will play a big role in whatever success it has from some of head coach Steve Kerr’s comments on him.

Austin Reaves set to join Team USA for 2023 FIBA World Cup

Oklahoma alum Austin Reaves set to play for Team USA in upcoming FIBA World Cup.

Fresh off the best season of his professional career, Austin Reaves continues his ascent. While his Los Angeles Lakers team bowed out in the conference finals to the eventual NBA champion Denver Nuggets, Reaves, will join Team USA for the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines.

Reaves is one of 10 players already confirmed for the roster. He joins Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks), Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz), Brandon Ingram (New Orleans, Jaren Jackson Jr (Memphis Grizzlies), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets.

Reaves figures to be an effective option off the bench for Team USA, and he’s a natural fit as with his ability to fill various roles. He can play on and off the ball as a scoring option and be the initiator like he was alongside LeBron James with the Lakers. He’ll be able to do the same thing for Team USA, with guys like Haliburton and Brunson playing as primary playmakers for the first unit.

The 25-year-old is coming off a career year, averaging 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists a night on 53 percent shooting from the field, 40 percent from three, and 86 percent from the charity stripe.

He also had a big postseason run, solidifying himself as the Lakers third best player, which included 21.2 points per game in the Lakers’ matchup against the Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals.

In addition to his Teasm USA selection, Reaves will be the focal point of significant contract discussions as he enters unrestricted free agency. Reaves could command just under a $100 million contract somewhere in the range of a four-year deal worth a maximum of just under $98 million. The Lakers could match it, or they could pass. On top of that, Reaves and Chinese company Rigorer are finalizing a signature shoe deal that is expected to reach well over seven figures per year per Stadium’s Shams Charania.

For now, Reaves will focus on his role for Team USA and let[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1368] everything else to fall into place.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.