Brandon Ingram is in the midst of one of his most impressive seasons yet, thriving with the Toronto Raptors as they sit comfortably in second place in the Eastern Conference behind the Detroit Pistons. In a recent postgame interview, Ingram spoke candidly about his growth as a player, his current team’s mentality, and the key difference he’s found in his new environment. As he put it, he’s finally playing with a group of guys who genuinely care about basketball and winning, a sentiment that seems to reflect not only his personal improvement but also the newfound harmony he’s experiencing after leaving the New Orleans Pelicans.

For years, Ingram was a key piece for the Pelicans, but the team’s struggles with Zion Williamson cast a shadow over Ingram’s time in New Orleans. His comments about his current team—now on an eight-game win streak—hinted at a sense of freedom and purpose that was missing during his tenure with the Pelicans, where tensions seemed to persist, especially surrounding Williamson’s commitment to the game.

In his recent interview, Ingram was asked how the Raptors kept control of their recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite a challenging stretch. “We knew we had a key matchup in Donovan Mitchell that we had to handle,” Ingram said. “Our guys did a good job of showing bodies every time he came down the floor. On offense, we just shared the basketball, getting the best shot for our team, and it worked out for us.” He was clearly in good spirits, discussing his team’s unselfish play and the role of coach Darko, who he credits for keeping them accountable every night.

Ingram’s words not only reflect his personal growth but also show the Raptors’ collective drive. He even went on to express how good it felt to be on a team where everyone is committed to winning. “I’m happy to be with a group of guys that care about the game of basketball and care about winning,” he said. “It’s been fun to be out here.” It’s evident that his time with the Pelicans, particularly playing alongside Zion Williamson, was less about team unity and more about individual talent and fit, something Ingram clearly appreciates in Toronto.

While Ingram has found his rhythm in Toronto, it wasn’t always smooth sailing in New Orleans. One of the major points of contention during his time with the Pelicans was Zion Williamson’s commitment to the game. Ingram, a naturally gifted player, often seemed to be a piece of a puzzle that didn’t quite fit, with much of the attention focused on Zion’s struggles. Despite being a former No. 1 overall pick, Zion’s weight issues and off-court distractions had led to concerns about his long-term viability as a foundational player.

The most public of these distractions came from Williamson’s controversial relationships, one of which involved an adult film actress, a situation that caused a media firestorm. There were also reports of Williamson hiding food and showing less than stellar dedication to his fitness. Stephen A. Smith, in his typical no-holds-barred style, called out Zion for his issues with food, referencing how he had been caught hiding food under his bed, saying, “You got chefs in New Orleans who love him, looking for him. Everybody wants to meet him because they know he’ll show up to their restaurant. But Zion, he’ll eat the table.” Smith’s comments, although harsh, were rooted in the growing frustration around Williamson’s apparent lack of dedication to his physical fitness, something that has directly impacted his ability to stay on the court.

Ingram’s comments about his time in New Orleans were not direct jabs at Zion but rather reflections on the difficulty of playing on a team that was struggling with internal issues. The tension between the Pelicans’ two stars was apparent, and for Ingram, his decision to leave was likely a step toward finding a team dynamic that was more conducive to his growth. In Toronto, he’s found that, with a squad that shares a common goal and values team success, not just individual accolades.

While Ingram’s success in Toronto is undeniable, it’s also impossible to ignore the elephant in the room: Zion Williamson’s continuing struggles in New Orleans. Despite being surrounded by talent, including Ingram and the young and talented CJ McCollum, Zion has yet to fully meet the expectations placed on him when he was drafted as the No. 1 pick in 2019. Injuries have plagued his career, limiting his ability to take the court consistently, and when he does play, his performance has been inconsistent.

Ingram’s departure from New Orleans is seen by many as a turning point for the franchise, with some even arguing that Zion’s inability to stay on the court has caused a rift in the team’s development. While Zion’s talent is undeniable, his struggles with fitness and his commitment to the game have cast a long shadow over the Pelicans’ future. The team has been unable to build a cohesive unit around him, and Ingram’s departure to a team with a better balance of talent and commitment is a reflection of the limitations that currently exist in New Orleans.

Ingram, meanwhile, has flourished in Toronto’s environment. Under head coach Darko, the Raptors have found success in playing unselfish basketball, with a focus on spreading the ball and playing hard on the defensive end. Ingram’s individual success is a testament to the supportive environment around him, and he seems more relaxed and confident than ever before.

It’s clear that his comments about the Raptors’ mentality, particularly their focus on winning and commitment to basketball, were a direct contrast to his experience in New Orleans. The Pelicans, for all their talent, have yet to find that same level of unity, and Ingram’s remarks about playing with a team that “cares about winning” speak volumes about the environment he left behind.

Ingram’s success in Toronto also highlights the importance of team chemistry and stability for a player’s growth. His scoring ability, leadership, and unselfish play have all flourished in Toronto’s system, and it’s no surprise that the Raptors are performing well this season. While Ingram is thriving, the Pelicans are still trying to find their way, with Zion Williamson’s struggles continuing to be a major talking point.

The future of both players and teams hangs in the balance. For Ingram, it’s clear that he’s found the right fit in Toronto. For Zion, the clock is ticking as the Pelicans continue to search for answers. As fans of both players continue to watch their journeys unfold, the question remains: can Zion overcome his struggles and live up to the immense potential he showed in college, or will Ingram’s decision to leave New Orleans prove to be the turning point for both players’ careers?

In the end, the story of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson is about more than just basketball. It’s about growth, maturity, and the importance of being in the right environment to succeed. While Ingram has found success in Toronto, Williamson’s future in New Orleans remains uncertain, and only time will tell if he can overcome the challenges he faces to reach the potential that everyone once believed he had.