Lakers Draft Prospects: Brandon Ingram Breakdown

Dec 15, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski (C) talks to guard Brandon Ingram (14) after leaving the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski (C) talks to guard Brandon Ingram (14) after leaving the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 2, 2016; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) shoots the ball as Boston College Eagles forward Garland Owens (5) and center Dennis Clifford (24) defend during the second half of the game at Silvio O. Conte Forum. Duke won 81-64. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) shoots the ball as Boston College Eagles forward Garland Owens (5) and center Dennis Clifford (24) defend during the second half of the game at Silvio O. Conte Forum. Duke won 81-64. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Offense

There is a great deal to love about Ingram as an offensive threat already on the basketball court. For one, he has a tremendous jump shot that displays near impeccable form. Not only is it good form, but it’s a smooth, quick release that he’s unafraid to get off from anywhere on the court. He can catch-and-shoot, pull up after mild penetration, and pull up off the dribble with ease and make it look pretty in the process:

Even more in his favor as an offensive talent is just how dangerous his length makes him as an offensive player. Even at the NBA level, there are few wings who can matchup with a player like Ingram that is 6-9 and has a wingspan far greater than that. That allows Ingram, who displays solid ball-handling skills that should also translate to the next level, to get his shot off both on the perimeter and off the bounce by simply rising up over the top of the arms of defenders:

The fact that Ingram is at least a serviceable passer and willing one at that is also encouraging. He’s not a player that we’ve seen force his shot too often and is more than willing to kick the ball out to open shooters when he can’t get a good look off of dribble penetration.

It’s not all roses on offense with Ingram (though it’s mostly that). Again the issue of his frame comes to mind as he could get pushed around offensively by bigger, stouter defenders at the NBA level. While his length with compensate for that to a certain degree, adding that bulk to his frame would make him an even more complete weapon and possibly give him an even more advanced ability to get to the rim and finish through contact.

Next: Defense