The Clippers has been lacking throughout pre-season, but there is hope that reinforcements could be on the way. Brandon Ingram started working on the court, although he is not expected to be ready for the start of the season, writes Mark Medina (via Twitter).
Ingram moved to the Clippers as the centerpiece of the long-delayed Kawhi Leonard trade with the Raptors after spending one season in Toronto. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists while hitting 38.2% of his threes for the Raptors and playing in 77 games, the second most of his career.
However, he suffered what was originally there described as a right heel injury during the Raptors’ seven-game series against the Cavaliers and ended up missing the final 2.5 games, which the Raptors ended up losing. It was from that time revealed that the injury was actually a partial Achilles tear that was discovered during heel surgery.
Ingram has a $41.9 million player option next summer and is considered a strong trade candidate if he is healthy and productive for the Clippers this season, as Los Angeles will likely look to continue building its young core and collection of assets after penalties of five first-round picks in Leonard’s salary-cap bypass case.
Ingram is expected to be reevaluated once the season begins.
