Team USA coach responds after Brandon Ingram comments risk upsetting chemistry

29 August 2023 , 20:45

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Brandon Ingram has been frustrated at the World Cup (Image: AP)

Team USA coach Steve Kerr has promised Brandon Ingram his time will come after the player expressed his frustration at playing a limited role at the FIBA World Cup.

Despite Team USA winning their opening two games against New Zealand and Greece, New Orleans Pelicans star Ingram scored just two points against New Zealand and five against Greece and had to watch on as Anthony Edwards established himself as Team USA's go-to guy.

"This is totally different than what I am used to," Ingram told The Athletic. "The team is winning right now, so I can't be selfish thinking about myself. But it's a little frustrating right now for me, and I'm just trying to figure out ways I can be effective."

Ingram's comments have now been addressed by Kerr, who offered words of encouragement to his player, in hopes of not upsetting team chemistry. Kerr expects opportunities to go Ingram's way as the tournament, which is being held in Asia, rumbles on. Team USA are favorites to clinch another World Cup.

"Nothing has really gone his way," Kerr told reporters. "He hasn't had a lot of opportunities, but I think that'll change. I think his time is coming. He's just gotta stay with it. The thing I've learned with FIBA is every night belongs to someone new. I wouldn't have guessed that Paolo [Banchero] would be our leading scorer last night, but all 12 guys are so talented that all it takes is a couple of shots to go in, and any one of these guys can get going. I expect that to happen for B.I."

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Paolo Banchero has been in fine form (Getty Images)

Anthony Edwards scored 14 points in 23 minutes against New Zealand and 13 against Greece after putting up 34 points in a warm-up game against Germany. The Minnesota Timberwolves star has also thrown his weight behind Ingram, labelling him a "superstar" in the NBA.

"He gets paid the big bucks; like, he's one of the best players in the NBA," Edwards said on Ingram. "He's a superstar in the league, so he can figure it out on his own, but it's nothing like somebody staying your ear. They stay in my ear. So, just keep talking to him, 'cause you know, a couple shots might not go his way. He might get a couple turnovers and get down. I mean, I get down sometimes because I turn it over or miss a couple shots." Team USA will play its third game of the tournament on Wednesday against Jordan.

Joshua Mbu