Uncertainty On When Pelicans Star Will Return

Out for five weeks now with a big toe contusion, New Orleans Pelicans star forward Brandon Ingram still isn't sure when he'll be able to return to action. 

Brandon Ingram was asked how close he is to returning: "It’s hard to tell. Some days I feel really, really good, and the recovery is bad. Some days, recovery is good. Whenever I feel 100%, I’ll give it a go. But it’s hard to say right now."

— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) December 29, 2022

"It’s hard to tell. Some days I feel really, really good, and the recovery is bad. Some days, recovery is good," said Ingram. "Whenever I feel 100%, I’ll give it a go. But it’s hard to say right now."

He says he doesn't have his explosiveness back yet.

Brandon Ingram on what's holding him back w/ his toe:

"Confidence in pushing off. Confidence in being back to who I want to be. Trying to be explosive. Just trying to be myself. That's the biggest thing. If I don't feel like myself, then I know it's not time to be on the floor."

— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) December 29, 2022

"Confidence in pushing off. Confidence in being back to who I want to be. Trying to be explosive. Just trying to be myself. That's the biggest thing. If I don't feel like myself, then I know it's not time to be on the floor."

The Pelicans have ascended to the top of the Western Conference even without Ingram, thanks to the return to All-Star-like status of Zion Williamson, who's averaging 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists. 

Ingram was averaging 20.8 points in 15 games before his injury, with 5.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists, while shooting a blistering 46.7% from three-point range. 

These Pelicans have served notice to the West: they are a team to be reckoned with. Wait 'til they have their full roster. 

Photo: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports