Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram wants to be an All-Star again. Just as importantly, his new organization wants him to reach All-Star status again, as he told reporters during his introductory press conference.
Will the 27-year-old be able to return to All-Star form though? More to the point, will he be able to have the best seasons of his career in Canada?
Can Brandon Ingram Return To All-Star Form With Raptors?
Ingram has played at or close to an All-Star level in multiple seasons. However, the only year that the Kinston native made an All-Star appearance was 2020, his first campaign with the Pelicans. Heading into the All-Star Break, the then 22-year-old was averaging 24.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.0 steal per game, as well as shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three.
Though he’s generally played well, Ingram hasn’t had one pre-All-Star stretch averaging at least 24.5 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal per game since then.
With that in mind, there isn’t exactly a statistical formula that’ll guarantee a player makes an All-Star appearance. Obviously, one might assume that 24-4-4-1 averages with respectable efficiency are enough All-Star consideration. In fact, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has posted 23.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game this season and will be making his sixth All-Star appearance.
That being said, good looking numbers don’t just materialize out of thin air. Furthermore, extraneous factors could come into play, such as team record and player popularity. For Ingram to return to All-Star status, his best bet would be to perform well and help the Raptors get back into playoff contention. Captivating fans with showmanship or outright dominance would likely also benefit him.
Though those could go hand in hand, individual exceptionalism doesn’t always lead to team success.
Unlocking Brandon Ingram
In Toronto, Ingram will be faced with the question of how well his style meshes with the pre-existing core. In terms of his overarching skillset, he’s a three-level scorer with upside as a two-way playmaker. Frankly, his blend of offensive versatility and mastery make him one of the best players in the league at that end.
On paper, many will say that a simple way to ensure he maximizes his time with the Raptors is to take fewer attempts from the midrange. In fact, Samson Folk of Raptors Republic makes this exact suggestion. However, the analytics that discussions about shot diet are based on are becoming outmoded. Toronto does have several players that like to score in the midrange but it’s not like it’s the only place they can put the ball in the bucket.
Furthermore, asking players to go away from what they excel at is counterproductive. If the Raptors need to improve their floor balance, Ingram shouldn’t be breaking his back to make a change. Instead, Toronto should place him around better finishers and three-point shooters.
Achieving Balance Through Movement
The desire to balance the floor could be what leads to them trading RJ Barrett.
However, Barrett is an impressive slasher and has made strides as a facilitator. Additionally, he’s made at least 36 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes in four of the last five seasons. Ingram has made at least 36 percent of his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts in each of the last six seasons. Thus, the focus should be on reducing the number of pull-up threes they take by emphasizing ball-movement.
Ingram and Barrett’s catch-and-shoot ability is also what allows Scottie Barnes to remain in his point-forward role. If or when Barnes becomes better in that area, their passing will have more parity. Regardless of that though, he’ll be a prized playmaker who uses his athleticism, interior gravity, and basketball IQ to create shots for them and others. When other players have the ball, Barnes has to use his cutting ability, knowing his opponents won’t be too worried about him beyond the arc.
The Best Has Yet To Come?
As it relates to Ingram’s numbers and potential to return to the All-Star Game?
He may see a general increase in shot attempts simply because he’s the most skilled scorer on the team. If he has the ball in his hands the most, he’ll have more playmaking opportunities. Yet, the chemistry he develops with his co-stars could lead to an uptick in his assists and efficiency.
As a result, it’s quite possible that Ingram’s best has yet to come.
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