Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo recently identified Duke product and current New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram as one of his favorite players to watch in the NBA. During an appearance on the Thanalysis Show, hosted by teammate Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the two-time league MVP highlighted Ingram’s unique offensive skill set and fluidity on the court.
Antetokounmpo’s Assessment of Ingram
When asked to name players he enjoys watching outside of his own team, Antetokounmpo specifically pointed to Ingram. According to his comments on the Thanalysis Show, Antetokounmpo admires the ease with which the former No. 2 overall pick navigates the floor.
"I love Brandon Ingram," Antetokounmpo stated. "I love his game. He’s smooth. He’s long. He can get to his spot, he can shoot over you, he can pass, he can rebound."
Antetokounmpo emphasized that Ingram’s ability to operate in the mid-range—an area of the game often deprioritized in modern analytics-heavy systems—sets him apart. For Antetokounmpo, the aesthetic appeal of Ingram’s game lies in his composure and his "effortless" style of play, which contrasts with the high-intensity, power-based approach often associated with the Bucks’ star.
Ingram’s Career Trajectory Since Duke
Brandon Ingram entered the NBA as the second overall selection in the 2016 draft by the Los Angeles Lakers following a single season at Duke University. His professional development has been marked by a consistent evolution into a primary scoring option.
- Lakers Tenure (2016–2019): Ingram struggled with consistency and health early in his career but showed flashes of the perimeter playmaking that made him a top prospect.
- Pelicans Era (2019–Present): After being traded to New Orleans as part of the Anthony Davis deal, Ingram reached a new level of production. He earned his first NBA All-Star selection in 2020 and was named the league’s Most Improved Player that same season.
According to official NBA statistics, Ingram has maintained a career scoring average of over 19 points per game, largely due to his proficiency as a shot-creator. His ability to hit contested jumpers has become his signature trait, earning him respect from peers across the league, including Antetokounmpo, who frequently faces similar defensive attention from opposing teams.
Mutual Respect Among Elite Forwards
The praise from Antetokounmpo underscores a growing trend of "superstar scouting," where elite players openly discuss the nuances of their opponents’ games. While the two stars play in different conferences, their paths have crossed in high-stakes environments, including the All-Star game and regular-season matchups.
For Ingram, the endorsement from a player of Antetokounmpo’s stature serves as a professional validation of his scoring style. While modern basketball trends heavily toward three-point volume and rim pressure, Antetokounmpo’s comments highlight that elite mid-range specialists remain highly regarded by the league’s top talents.
As Ingram continues his tenure in New Orleans, his role remains central to the Pelicans’ offensive structure. Antetokounmpo’s analysis reinforces the view that Ingram’s technical proficiency remains one of the more refined offensive displays in the current NBA landscape.