"Seeing Jose and Herb get paid" - Brandon Ingram names Jose Alvarado getting $6,888,212 contract as one of best moments of career

Brandon Ingram has had many career highlights. He is currently embarking on a new one as he was selected for Team USA for the first time in his career. Ingram is on the 12-man roster set to take on the world in the 2023 FIBA World Cup this month.

While speaking with the Athletic, Ingram revealed a surprising career highlight. It had nothing to do with his basketball stats.

“Someone asked me the other day what my best moment has been in the NBA so far. I told them seeing Jose (Alvarado) and Herb get paid,” Ingram said.

Ingram prioritized his teammates' recognition over his individual achievements. Despite being an All-Star in 2022, winning the Most Improved Player award, and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team, he valued team success above all else.

As a prolific scorer, he maintained an impressive record of averaging over 20 points per game for four consecutive seasons. Notably, he achieved a career-high 49 points against the Utah Jazz in 2020, and during the playoffs, he reached a career-best of 37 points against the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2022 playoffs.

Ingram was also a highly-touted prospect before entering the NBA. He had a solid freshman season with Duke and was an honorable mention for All America.

Brandon Ingram and Jose Alvarado contract details

Ingram’s Pelicans teammate Alvarado signed a 4-year, $6.8 million contract in 2021. He worked his way off non-guaranteed deals for a permanent NBA roster spot. He will make $1.8 million next season however only $1.1 million is guaranteed until January 10. Alvarado has a team option for $1.9 million the following season.

Ingram meanwhile makes $33.8 million next season. He has two years left on his deal worth $158.2 million total.

Ingram also name-dropped his other Pelicans teammate Herb Jones. The youngster signed a deal to return to New Orleans as a restricted free agent this offseason. The deal is for 4 years and $53.8 million and is fully guaranteed.

Jones earned his deal with his defensive abilities in his first two seasons. He proved himself to be a lockdown defender who can guard 1-5. He has averaged nearly two steals per game during his first couple seasons. Jones also scored 20 points in the Pelicans play-in loss in the 2023 postseason.

Ingram and his freshly paid teammates will try to propel the Pelicans back to playoff contention. They will have an uphill battle in a loaded Western conference. They will also look to get Zion Williamson back on the court after his lengthy injury absence.