Brandon Ingram
Brandon Xavier Ingram (born September 2, 1997) is an American professional basketball player who plays as a small forward and power forward for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1][2] Standing at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) and weighing 190 pounds (86 kg), Ingram is known for his scoring ability, playmaking, and versatility on both ends of the court.[1][3] Drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2016 NBA draft after a standout freshman season at Duke University, he has established himself as an NBA All-Star and a key contributor across three teams over his nine-year career.[2][1] Ingram was born and raised in Kinston, North Carolina, where he developed his basketball skills at Kinston High School.[2] As a high school prospect, he was ranked as the No. 4 recruit in the class of 2015 by major scouting services, earning McDonald's All-American honors and leading his team to notable success.[4] At Duke, during the 2015–16 season, Ingram averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game across 36 appearances, starting 34, while helping the Blue Devils secure the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season and tournament titles.[5] His performance earned him consensus second-team All-American recognition and positioned him as a top lottery pick. Ingram's NBA career began with the Lakers, where he spent three seasons, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2016–17 after averaging 9.4 points per game as a rookie.[2] Traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 as part of the deal for Anthony Davis, he emerged as a star, winning the Most Improved Player Award in 2019–20 with averages of 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, and earning his first All-Star selection that year.[2] Over six seasons with the Pelicans, Ingram maintained strong production, posting career averages of 19.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists across 503 regular-season games entering the 2025–26 season.[2] On February 6, 2025, he was traded to the Raptors in exchange for Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first-round pick, and a second-round pick, marking a new chapter in his career. Shortly after the trade, on February 12, 2025, Ingram agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract extension with the Raptors.[6][7] In his debut season with Toronto, Ingram has averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game through early November 2025.[1]Early life and amateur career
Early life
Brandon Ingram was born on September 2, 1997, in Kinston, North Carolina, to parents Donald and Joann Ingram.[2][8] He grew up in a stable two-parent household alongside two older half-siblings, brother Donovan "Bo" Ingram and sister Brittany.[8] His father, a former police officer who later managed a local recreation center, while his mother worked in the community; the family emphasized discipline and education amid their modest circumstances.[9][10] Ingram's introduction to basketball came early through family influence, particularly his older brother Bo, who was seven years his senior and played college and professional basketball overseas, often allowing a young Brandon to join games with older kids.[8][11] Starting around age four or five, Ingram spent much of his time at the Martin C. Freeman Gym, where his father worked, honing basic skills by watching adult leagues and mimicking their play.[11] By ages eight or nine, he transitioned to organized recreational leagues in Kinston, competing with peers and developing a competitive edge in the town's basketball-centric environment.[11] Kinston's socioeconomic challenges profoundly shaped Ingram's upbringing, with the town facing a poverty rate over 110% above the national average and unemployment 70% higher, exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd in 1999, which flooded the area and merged neighborhoods.[12] Community violence was rampant, including gang activity and frequent gunshots, with violent crime rates 213% above the national average in the mid-2010s; Ingram has described hearing gunfire regularly during his childhood.[12] Basketball became a vital escape and outlet for him, providing structure, mentorship from local figures like his uncle Ronnie Ingram—a longtime police officer—and a pathway to transcend the hardships of his surroundings.[12][11] Ingram's early passion led him to join an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team coached by NBA veteran Jerry Stackhouse after middle school, around age 13, where he traveled for tournaments and further refined his skills before entering high school basketball.[11]High school career
Brandon Ingram attended Kinston High School in Kinston, North Carolina, for all four years of his basketball career, from 2011 to 2015.[4] During this period, he helped lead the Kinston Vikings to four consecutive North Carolina 2A state championships, showcasing his development as a versatile forward.[13] As a senior in the 2014–15 season, Ingram averaged 24.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and three blocks per game, earning him recognition as a dominant player on both ends of the court.[14] His performance was instrumental in guiding Kinston to its fourth straight state title, where he also secured his second consecutive finals MVP award.[13] Ingram's scoring efficiency and rebounding prowess highlighted his growth into a top national prospect, with his family providing consistent support throughout his high school journey. Ingram's senior year accolades included selection to the 2015 McDonald's All-American Game, where he represented North Carolina.[15] He also participated in the Jordan Brand Classic, earning co-MVP honors for his standout play.[16] Additionally, he was named North Carolina Mr. Basketball and Player of the Year by the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association.[8][17] Regarded as one of the top recruits in the class of 2015, Ingram was heavily pursued by elite college programs including North Carolina, UCLA, and Kansas.[18] On April 27, 2015, he committed to Duke University, citing the program's winning tradition and coaching staff as key factors in his decision.[19] This choice solidified Duke's recruiting class as the nation's best that year.[20]College career
Brandon Ingram played one season for the Duke Blue Devils during the 2015–16 men's basketball campaign under head coach Mike Krzyzewski.[5] As a highly touted recruit, he contributed significantly to the team as a freshman forward, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility on the wing.[21] Ingram appeared in all 36 games, starting 34, and quickly adapted to the college level, earning recognition as the ACC Freshman of the Year for his impact.[22] Ingram's statistical output highlighted his offensive prowess, as he averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while playing 34.6 minutes on average.[21] He shot efficiently from the perimeter at 41.0% on three-pointers and overall from the field at 44.2%, demonstrating his potential as a perimeter threat despite his slender frame.[21] Defensively, he added 1.4 blocks per game, using his length to disrupt opponents.[5] Duke finished the season with a 25–11 record, tying for fifth in the ACC with an 11–7 conference mark.[23] Ingram helped the team secure key victories, including a 92–89 overtime win against NC State and a 79–72 triumph over North Carolina, both ranked opponents at the time.[23] In the NCAA Tournament, Duke earned a No. 4 seed in the West Region and advanced to the Sweet 16, defeating UNC Wilmington 85–62 and Yale 68–66 before falling to Oregon 82–68; Ingram led the Blue Devils in scoring during the tournament, averaging 23.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.[8][23] Following the season, Ingram declared for the 2016 NBA draft on April 4, forgoing his remaining college eligibility as a one-and-done player.[24] He was selected with the second overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets before his rights were traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on draft night.[25]Professional career
Los Angeles Lakers (2016–2019)
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Brandon Ingram with the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft.[26] On August 23, 2016, he signed a four-year rookie-scale contract worth $23,823,685.[27] As an 18-year-old rookie, Ingram joined a rebuilding Lakers team under new head coach Luke Walton, who emphasized player development and adjustment to the NBA's physical demands.[28] In his rookie season of 2016–17, Ingram appeared in 79 games, averaging 9.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 40.2 percent from the field.[2] He started 40 contests and showed flashes of perimeter scoring and defensive versatility, though his slight frame at 190 pounds posed challenges against stronger opponents.[29] The Lakers finished 26–56 and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year.[30] During the 2017–18 season, Ingram emerged as a starter in all 59 games he played, boosting his production to 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, with improved efficiency at 47.0 percent from the field.[2] He formed part of the Lakers' young core alongside point guard Lonzo Ball and forward Kyle Kuzma, both 2017 draftees, contributing to a more competitive rotation amid ongoing rebuild efforts.[31] The team again missed the playoffs, ending 35–47.[31] Ingram's third season (2018–19) marked further growth, as he started all 52 games with averages of 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, including a post-All-Star surge of 27.8 points over his final six outings.[2] However, in March 2019, he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis—a blood clot in his right arm—causing him to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing successful surgery.[32] The Lakers, hampered by injuries to key players like Ball and Kuzma, finished 37–45 and extended their playoff drought to six years.New Orleans Pelicans (2019–2025)
On August 1, 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans acquired Brandon Ingram from the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers in exchange for Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and three first-round draft picks.[33] Ingram, entering his fourth NBA season, quickly adapted to his new team, posting averages of 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game during the 2019–20 season despite the challenges of the COVID-19 shortened campaign.[2] Following his breakout year, Ingram signed a five-year, $158 million maximum rookie extension with the Pelicans on November 24, 2020, securing his long-term future in New Orleans.[34] His performance earned him a spot as a Western Conference reserve in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, where he became the first Pelicans player selected since Anthony Davis in 2018.[35] Additionally, Ingram was awarded the NBA's Most Improved Player for the 2019–20 season, receiving 42 first-place votes from a panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters after improving his scoring by nearly 10 points per game from the prior year.[36] Ingram's peak with the Pelicans spanned the 2019–22 seasons, during which he established himself as a versatile scoring forward capable of creating his own shot and facilitating for teammates. In the 2022–23 season, he averaged a career-high 24.7 points per game across 45 appearances, showcasing improved efficiency with a 49.0% field goal percentage while helping lead the Pelicans to a 42-40 record before their playoff exit.[2] However, his tenure was marred by health setbacks, including a recovery from deep vein thrombosis diagnosed in his right arm during the 2018–19 season with the Lakers; Ingram fully rehabilitated and faced no major recurrences while playing 62 games in 2019–20.[37] Subsequent injuries began to impact his availability, particularly in the 2023–24 season when a knee contusion limited him to 64 games despite averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists.[38] The 2024–25 season started strongly for Ingram, who posted career-high averages of 22.2 points per game in his first 18 appearances, but a high-grade left ankle sprain suffered on December 7, 2024, sidelined him for the remainder of his time with the team.[39] Amid ongoing contract disputes—stemming from the Pelicans' reluctance to offer a supermax extension—and the franchise's pivot toward a rebuild around younger talent, Ingram was traded to the Toronto Raptors on February 6, 2025, at the NBA trade deadline in exchange for Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2031 second-round pick.[40]Toronto Raptors (2025–present)
On February 6, 2025, the New Orleans Pelicans traded Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, a first-round draft pick, and a second-round draft pick.[6] Five days later, on February 11, Ingram agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract extension with the Raptors, including a player option for the 2027–28 season.[41] The deal, which begins in the 2025–26 season with salaries escalating from $38 million to $42 million, signaled Toronto's commitment to building around Ingram as a core piece alongside Scottie Barnes.[42] Ingram made his Raptors debut on October 22, 2025, in the season opener against the Atlanta Hawks, scoring 16 points on 7-of-16 shooting, while adding nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals in a 138–118 victory.[1] Through the first 13 games of the 2025–26 season as of November 16, 2025, Ingram has averaged 20.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, shooting 49.3% from the field and 25.5% from three-point range.[2] His scoring has helped stabilize Toronto's offense early in the year.[3] Ingram has been instrumental in the Raptors' 8–5 start as of November 16, 2025, including a standout performance on November 2 against the Memphis Grizzlies, where he tallied 26 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in a 117–104 win that marked Toronto's first back-to-back victories of the season.[43] As a secondary scorer complementing Barnes, Ingram has focused on enhancing his playmaking and defensive contributions, averaging 0.9 steals per game while adapting to a more versatile role within the Raptors' system.[44] This shift has allowed him to thrive alongside teammates like RJ Barrett, fostering improved team synergy on both ends of the floor.[45]National team career
USA Select Team (2016)
Following his standout freshman season at Duke University, where he averaged 17.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, Brandon Ingram was selected to the 2016 USA Men's Select Team as one of the top young American basketball talents.[5][46] The selection, announced on June 7, 2016, recognized his potential as a rising prospect based on his college performance and athletic upside.[47] Ingram participated in the team's training camp held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from July 18 to 21, 2016, immediately after the NBA Summer League.[48] His primary role was to provide defensive matchup practice for the senior U.S. Olympic Team during intense scrimmages, facing elite players such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant.[49] He played limited minutes in these exhibition-style sessions, focusing on challenging the stars' offensive skills while gaining firsthand experience against professional-level competition.[50] The experience offered Ingram valuable exposure to high-stakes preparation for the Rio Olympics, helping him adapt to the physicality and speed of elite basketball ahead of his NBA transition.[48] No official games or recorded statistics resulted from the camp, as it was designed solely for training purposes.[8]FIBA World Cup (2023)
In July 2023, Brandon Ingram was named to the roster for the 2023 USA Men's National Team, which competed in the FIBA Basketball World Cup held in the Philippines.[51] As a forward coming off the bench, Ingram appeared in six of the team's eight games, averaging 16.3 minutes per contest.[52] His role was limited amid a deep roster featuring multiple NBA All-Stars, which led to modest statistical output but contributions in facilitating plays and rebounding. Ingram averaged 5.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game during the tournament, shooting 47.4% from the field overall.[52] He showed flashes of productivity, including a season-high 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting in the 110-104 second-round loss to Lithuania on September 3 and eight points with four rebounds against Italy in the quarterfinals.[52][53] Earlier in exhibition play leading up to the event, Ingram contributed seven points, three rebounds, and three assists in a 108-86 victory over Greece on August 18.[54] However, his efficiency dipped in spots, particularly early in group play, where he shot below 50% in the first three games, prompting him to express frustration over inconsistent minutes and his adjustment to the international style.[55] The United States went 3–0 in group play before splitting their two second-round games with an 85–73 win over Montenegro on September 1 and the loss to Lithuania. They advanced to the quarterfinals with a 100–63 win over Italy on September 5, but fell 94–83 to Germany in the semifinals on September 8. In the bronze medal game, they lost 127–118 in overtime to Canada on September 10, finishing fourth overall; Ingram did not play in the final contest.[56] Following the tournament, Ingram was included in the 41-player pool for the 2024 USA Olympic Men's National Team but was not chosen for the final 12-man roster.[57]Personal life
Family and relationships
Brandon Ingram was born and raised in Kinston, North Carolina, by his parents, Donald and Joann Ingram, whose influence shaped his early life and basketball passion in a community known for producing NBA talent.[12] Donald Ingram, a former standout basketball player and official at South Lenoir High School, provided guidance through local basketball programs, while Joann supported the family's emphasis on hard work and education.[58] Ingram has two older half-siblings: brother Donovan "Bo" Ingram, who played college basketball at the University of Texas at Arlington, and sister Brittany, with whom he shares his mother.[59] The family has remained a pillar of support during Ingram's career transitions, including his 2019 trade to the New Orleans Pelicans and 2025 move to the Toronto Raptors, often attending games and offering emotional backing.[60] Ingram maintains a high degree of privacy regarding his personal relationships, rarely sharing details in public interviews or on social media, which aligns with his reserved personality noted by those close to him.[61] He welcomed a son, Brenton, in 2019 with then-partner Aaleeyah Petty, an Instagram model and fitness influencer; the couple separated shortly after, but Ingram has prioritized co-parenting while keeping his father's role low-profile.[62] His dating history includes a brief relationship in 2021 with model and influencer Amber Washington, which ended amid public disputes over infidelity allegations.[63] By 2025, Ingram was linked romantically to rapper GloRilla (Gloria Woods), with rumors sparking after they were spotted together at his birthday celebration in Cabo San Lucas in July and a courtside appearance at a Raptors game in October, where they shared a public kiss confirming their relationship.[64][65] Despite increased media attention, Ingram continues to shield much of his family life from scrutiny, focusing public discussions on his professional growth and the unwavering support from his parents and siblings.[66]Philanthropy and community involvement
Brandon Ingram, a native of Kinston, North Carolina, co-founded the Ingram Family Foundation in 2017 alongside his family to support community development in his hometown.[67] The foundation concentrates on addressing disparities in education, poverty reduction, health care, and incarceration within the Black community, which represents 13% of the U.S. population yet accounts for 38% of the prison population and 18% living in poverty as of 2024.[68] Key philanthropic efforts include a $10,000 donation in 2017 to local homeless charities, such as the Friends of the Homeless shelter and the Soup Kitchen of Kinston, to aid those experiencing poverty and homelessness.[69][70] In 2020, the foundation provided 982 pairs of Adidas shoes—valued at $85,000—to health care workers at UNC Lenoir Health Care in Kinston as a gesture of appreciation during the COVID-19 pandemic.[71][72][73] The foundation's ongoing initiatives involve sponsoring forums and advocacy opportunities focused on incarceration and health disparities to foster community discussions and action.[68] It also partners with local schools on youth programs, including back-to-school supply giveaways in collaboration with brands like Adidas and Staples, and donations exceeding $35,000 to support educational efforts through events like the Brandon Ingram MLK Showcase. In November 2025, the family donated a new scoreboard to Rochelle Middle School in Kinston.[74][75][76] Through his NBA career, Ingram has engaged in league-wide community service, including visits to the Youth Empowerment Project in New Orleans where he distributed gear, signed autographs, and played basketball with local youth, as well as serving as an honorary coach for an NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game.[77][78]Playing style and profile
Playing style
Brandon Ingram, a 6-foot-8 small forward, exhibits positional versatility on the court, leveraging his 7-foot-3 wingspan to defend multiple positions from shooting guard to power forward while creating mismatches offensively as a primary wing creator.[79][80] This length allows him to contest shots effectively over smaller defenders and disrupt passing lanes, though his slender frame sometimes limits him against bulkier opponents.[81] Ingram's primary strengths lie in his scoring prowess, highlighted by a smooth pull-up jumper that excels in the mid-range area, where he operates with high efficiency due to his quick release and body control.[80] He has refined his perimeter game, becoming a more reliable three-point shooter, particularly on catch-and-shoot opportunities, which stretches defenses and enhances his overall offensive impact.[80] Additionally, his playmaking vision stands out, as he adeptly reads defenses in pick-and-roll situations and drives to facilitate for teammates, showcasing instincts that elevate his role beyond a pure scorer.[82][80] Despite these assets, Ingram has shown defensive inconsistencies early in his career, often struggling with on-ball assignments against quicker or stronger players due to his reliance on positioning rather than physicality.[80] His injury history, including issues affecting his lower body, has occasionally impacted his explosiveness, forcing a finesse-oriented approach over raw athleticism.[80] Ingram's scoring touch and lean build frequently draw comparisons to Kevin Durant, though he possesses less burst and relies more on craftiness to generate separation.[83]Career evolution and milestones
During his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016–17, Brandon Ingram focused on building a foundation in defense and refining his shooting mechanics under the guidance of coaches like Luke Walton, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors after averaging 9.4 points per game.[59] By his sophomore year in 2017–18, Ingram showed marked improvement in perimeter defense, ranking highly in blocks among small forwards, while enhancing his finishing at the rim to 66.9% in the restricted area and boosting his three-point shooting from 29.4% to 39.0% through better shot selection and form adjustments.[84][85] These developments helped him average 16.1 points per game, establishing him as a promising two-way wing despite the Lakers' struggles.[2] Following his trade to the New Orleans Pelicans in June 2019 as part of the Anthony Davis deal, Ingram underwent a physical transformation by gaining significant muscle mass, which allowed him to become the team's primary scorer and handle increased physicality in the paint.[86] In the 2019–20 season, he averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, earning the NBA Most Improved Player Award and securing his first All-Star selection as a Western Conference reserve.[87][88] This breakout continued into 2020–21, where he maintained All-Star caliber production at 24.7 points per game, solidifying his role as a versatile offensive leader alongside Zion Williamson.[2] From 2022 to 2025 with the Pelicans, Ingram navigated persistent trade rumors amid contract extension negotiations, refining his leadership by mentoring younger players and stepping up during injury absences, while averaging 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in the 2022–23 season.[40] In February 2025, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, and draft picks, a move that emphasized his two-way capabilities in a rebuilding roster seeking defensive versatility and scoring punch.[40] Early in his Raptors tenure, Ingram contributed 20.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game through 13 games as of November 16, 2025.[1] Key milestones include reaching 10,000 career points during the 2025–26 season after 503 regular-season games prior to the year, and gaining valuable playoff experience, notably in the 2022 first-round series against the Phoenix Suns where he averaged 27.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists over six games to push the top seed to the limit.[90][91] In the 2024 first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ingram averaged 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game as the Pelicans were swept 0–4.[92]Career statistics
NBA regular season
Brandon Ingram was drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2016 NBA draft and made his professional debut during the 2016–17 season. Over his career, he has established himself as a versatile scoring forward, transitioning from a raw rookie to an All-Star caliber player after being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019. As of November 2025, Ingram has appeared in 508 regular season games, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while playing 33.9 minutes on average.[2] Ingram's scoring efficiency has improved markedly since his early years, with a career field goal percentage of 47.1% and true shooting percentage of 57.2%. His usage rate has evolved from 16.8% as a rookie to a peak of 30.8% in the 2022–23 season, reflecting his growing role as a primary offensive option. These developments underscore his adaptation to the NBA's demands, particularly in mid-range and driving plays, though injuries have occasionally disrupted his consistency.[2] The following table summarizes Ingram's regular season per-game statistics year by year:| Season | Team | G | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | LAL | 79 | 28.8 | .402 | .294 | .621 | 9.4 | 4.0 | 2.1 |
| 2017–18 | LAL | 59 | 33.5 | .470 | .390 | .681 | 16.1 | 5.3 | 3.9 |
| 2018–19 | LAL | 52 | 33.8 | .497 | .330 | .675 | 18.3 | 5.1 | 3.0 |
| 2019–20 | NOP | 62 | 33.9 | .463 | .391 | .851 | 23.8 | 6.1 | 4.2 |
| 2020–21 | NOP | 61 | 34.3 | .466 | .381 | .878 | 23.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 |
| 2021–22 | NOP | 55 | 34.0 | .461 | .327 | .826 | 22.7 | 5.8 | 5.6 |
| 2022–23 | NOP | 45 | 34.2 | .484 | .390 | .882 | 24.7 | 5.5 | 5.8 |
| 2023–24 | NOP | 64 | 32.9 | .492 | .355 | .801 | 20.8 | 5.1 | 5.7 |
| 2024–25 | NOP | 18 | 33.1 | .465 | .374 | .855 | 22.2 | 5.6 | 5.2 |
| 2025–26 | TOR | 13 | 33.2 | .493 | .255 | .883 | 20.4 | 6.0 | 3.8 |
NBA playoffs
Ingram made his NBA playoff debut during the 2022 postseason with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he averaged 27.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game across 6 games against the Phoenix Suns in the first round; the Pelicans lost the series 2–4.[92] His performance showcased early postseason poise, though the team struggled defensively against Phoenix's backcourt. Ingram has appeared in 10 playoff games over two postseasons (2022, 2024), posting career playoff averages of 21.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while playing 38.1 minutes on average. These figures reflect his adaptation to high-stakes environments, with improved playmaking highlighting his physical development.[2] In the 2024 playoffs, Ingram averaged 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game in the first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, contributing before the Pelicans' exit in 4 games.[92]| Series | Year | Opponent | Games | PPG | RPG | FG% | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Round | 2022 | Phoenix Suns | 6 | 27.0 | 6.2 | .471 | Lost 2-4; debut series |
| First Round | 2024 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 4 | 14.3 | 4.5 | .345 | Lost 0-4; strong individual efforts |
College statistics
In his single season at Duke University during the 2015–16 campaign, Brandon Ingram appeared in all 36 games, starting 34 of them, and established himself as a key contributor on a talented roster that included fellow freshmen Jayson Tatum and Luke Kennard. As the Blue Devils' leading freshman scorer, Ingram averaged 17.3 points per game while showcasing versatility as a 6-foot-9 forward with guard-like skills.[21][93] Ingram's efficiency was notable in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play, where he maintained strong scoring output across 19 appearances, including the conference tournament. His season highlight came on December 15, 2015, when he recorded a career-high 26 points against Georgia Southern, demonstrating his ability to score from multiple ranges. He also notched 25 points in an NCAA Tournament second-round victory over Yale on March 19, 2016.[94]Season totals
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Games played | 36 |
| Points | 624 |
| Rebounds | 244 |
| Assists | 72 |
| Turnovers | 72 |
Per-game averages
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Minutes per game | 34.6 |
| Points per game | 17.3 |
| Rebounds per game | 6.8 |
| Assists per game | 2.0 |
| Turnovers per game | 2.0 |
| Field goal percentage | .442 |
International statistics
Brandon Ingram's international playing experience with USA Basketball has been primarily through training camps, exhibitions, and a single senior national team appearance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. His statistical contributions remain limited due to the selective nature of U.S. team rosters and his role in non-competitive scrimmages early in his career.[8] In 2016, shortly after being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, Ingram joined the USA Select Team as an 18-year-old rookie to scrimmage against the senior U.S. Olympic squad preparing for the Rio Games. These closed-door sessions provided valuable experience matching up against NBA stars like Kevin Durant but produced no official statistics, as they were exhibition-style practices rather than scored games.[8][95] Leading into the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Ingram participated in the USA Basketball Showcase series of four exhibition games against international opponents, where he averaged 7.8 points per game in a reserve role. Notable performances included 9 points against Spain on August 13 (4-8 FG) and 7 points with 3 rebounds against Greece on August 18 (2-5 FG), helping the U.S. go undefeated in tune-up play. These outings under FIBA rules—featuring a 24-second shot clock, no defensive three-second violation, and international officiating—allowed Ingram to adapt to a more physical, less spacing-oriented style compared to NBA play, though his efficiency was modest at around 40% field goal shooting across the series.[96][97] Ingram's most documented international stats come from the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, where he appeared in 6 of the United States' 8 games, averaging 5.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 16.2 minutes per game. Shooting 48.4% from the field (15-of-31 FG) and 27.3% from three-point range (3-of-11), his totals reflected a bench role after starting the opener against New Zealand; he was held scoreless in the bronze medal game against Canada. Under FIBA's emphasis on team ball movement and fewer isolation opportunities, Ingram's plus/minus was positive in most appearances (+18.2 net rating overall), contributing to the U.S. bronze medal despite a semifinal loss to Germany.[52][98][8]| Event | Games Played | Points (PPG) | Rebounds (RPG) | Assists (APG) | FG% | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 USA Select Team | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Scrimmages only; no official stats recorded.[8] |
| 2023 USA Basketball Showcase (Exhibitions) | 4 | 7.8 | ~2.5 (est.) | ~2.0 (est.) | ~40% | Preparation games vs. Spain, Greece, Germany, etc.; focused on FIBA rule adaptation.[96] |
| 2023 FIBA World Cup | 6 | 5.7 (34 total) | 3.0 (18 total) | 2.7 (16 total) | 48.4% | Bench role after opener; +18.2 net rating in FIBA context.[52][98] |