Brandon Ingram could hold the keys to Pelicans' success

Brandon Ingram hasn't had an enjoyable summer. He didn't receive a contract extension from the New Orleans Pelicans and has been the subject of multiple trade rumors .

However, there's been a lack of interest in a player who struggled during the opening round of the playoffs last season and has shown little enthusiasm for becoming a bigger threat beyond the perimeter.

Nevertheless, Ingram could earn a new deal with the Pelicans or elsewhere around the NBA. For that to happen, he must have a strong season on both sides of the ball.

During a recent episode of ESPN's NBA Today, Marc J. Spears noted that Ingram could hold the keys to the Pelicans' chances of success.

"There's one big question," Spears said. "Zion (Williamson) don't forget about him, he's in great health. And he was in Los Angeles with the rest of his teammates... But there was one person missing. Brandon Ingram, he wasn't there, and he typically goes to these offseason workouts. He wasn't in L.A. ...Didn't get his contract extension and he couldn't get a trade to get his contract extension... What kind of Brandon Ingram arrives in New Orleans, time will tell, but if he comes to play, the Pelicans will be a force."

The Pelicans project to be a strong unit next season. They added Dejounte Murray earlier this summer via a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. His ball-handling, playmaking and defense should help elevate his new teammates, which could benefit Ingram, especially if he commits to taking more perimeter jump shots.

Of course, New Orleans will go as far as Williamson can take them. He's the superstar who makes the rest of the roster click. Ingram's job is to prove he can be an elite secondary or tertiary weapon on a contending-level team. If he can do that consistently throughout the season, there will undoubtedly be opportunities for him to sign a new deal next summer, either in New Orleans or elsewhere.

Ingram has been with the Pelicans for five seasons. Over 287 regular-season games, he's averaging 23.1 points, 5.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds on 51.5% shooting from two-point range and 37.2% from 3-point range. He is a proven commodity on offense and is still young enough to continue improving his game.

New Orleans has been patient in building a contending roster around Williamson. They will undoubtedly feel they're finally at a point where a deep playoff run is possible. Ingram will have a significant role to play. If he comes into the season motivated and willing to prove his worth, he and the Pelicans could have a season to remember.