Warriors: 3 players to target on expiring rookie contracts

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 06: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Miami Heat during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 06, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 06: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Miami Heat during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 06, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans

Brandon Ingram has been one of the most consistent players in the NBA this season for New Orleans Pelicans. In fact, his name has been mentioned in with the favorites to win the NBA’s “Most Improved” award this year.

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In his four years, Ingram’s stats have slowly been on the rise. Specifically talking about points per game, Brandon Ingram average 9.4 in ’16-’17, 16.1 in ’17-’18, 18.3 in ’18-’19, and 24.3 in ’19-’20. That just shows you the progress.

The same progress you see in points per game, Ingram also mirrors that in rebounds, assists, and blocks. Ingram has also just in the last year developed a three-point shot that the Warriors could use to their advantage in a power forward.

One of Ingram’s biggest downfalls was his free throw percentage. In all his years with the Lakers, it fluctuated between 62% and 68%. Last year with the Pelicans, he shot 86% from the line. This improvement could lead Ingram to a contending team.

The Warriors, on the other hand, are in need of a power forward or center if they decide to play small. With a rotation of big men that have been in and out of Golden State, they could use some stability in the position.