Although the NBA playoffs are still not over this season, those teams that have been eliminated or missed the playoffs are still in the spotlight, especially regarding offseason reinforcements.
Pelicans forward Ingram has been targeted by the Golden State Warriors offseason, according to Heavy Sports reporter Sean DeWeeney. This news caused quite a stir in the NBA league, because Ingram is a star who debuted as a leader, and his addition will inevitably improve the offensive and defensive capabilities of the Warriors.
WITH A HEIGHT OF 203CM AND AN ARM SPAN OF 221CM, AND A SOFT SHOOTING TOUCH, INGRAM HAS EVERY CHANCE TO EVOLVE INTO A SUPERSTAR WHO INTEGRATES OFFENSE AND DEFENSE, AND THE LOWER LIMIT WILL BE A TOP-NOTCH 3D. In the regular season this season, he averaged 32.9 minutes per game, shooting 49.2% from the field, and had 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists. Although the average points per game is down from last season, such a fluctuation is acceptable given the impact of injuries and the limitations of the Pelicans' play.
However, Ingram's health and injury record also pose a certain risk to the team. Ingram hasn't played as many games as recently as the Pelicans, which could affect his trade value. Of course, Ingram is only 26 years old, which means there's still plenty of time to improve his abilities, and his career is not yet in its prime.
If the Warriors manage Ingram's health well, his addition will open up new tactical options for the team and make up for the team's lack of a second consistent scoring spot. There's a delicate balance between Ingram's potential and the Warriors' needs, and this will be a key point that team management will have to weigh when considering a trade, and his skills really fit the Warriors' style of play.
With Klay's return uncertain and Wiggins' form up and down, the Warriors are in dire need of a player who can provide consistent scoring. Ingram's height and all-around skills are more than enough to fit into the Warriors' system, and he can play as a No. 4 or No. 3, or even play as a playmaker when needed. The reason why the Warriors' five-man lineup in the past is invincible is because except for Curry, all of them are forwards about two meters tall, and Ingram can seamlessly connect with this team.
According to anonymous Eastern Conference team managers, Ingram has become the type of Warriors coach Kerr's preference for relying on his versatility and adaptability. Moreover, New Orleans is currently on the fence about whether to sign Ingram to a contract extension, which means the Warriors have a chance to get him in a trade.
De Vinnie's proposed trade package includes Chris Paul, Moses Moody and future first-round picks, or Wiggins and Moody as the main trade chips.
Ingram signed a five-year, $185 million contract extension in 2020 and $36.01 million in the final year of the 2024-25 season. Such a contract is a financial consideration for the Warriors, but the investment could be worth it given the immediate power and potential he can bring to the team. With the right tuning, Ingram could become the Warriors' second-in-command on offense and defense, just like Wiggins in 2022.
Considering Ingram's scoring ability and fitness, do you think he fits into the Warriors' system? If he joins the Warriors, how do you think he will affect the team's tactical layout and future development? You are welcome to share your views and insights.