Lakers: Reasons Why Brandon Ingram Could Win Rookie of the Year
“With the second pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select… Brandon Ingram, from Duke University.”
For the second straight year, the Los Angeles Lakers were “blessed” with the second overall pick in the draft due to back-to-back franchise worst seasons. While I’m sure Lakers management and fans alike would rather have had a playoff spot, Brandon Ingram isn’t a bad consolation prize by any means.
The 6’9 small forward is a welcomed addition to the already young but promising core that is the Lakers in the post-Kobe era. The difference, however, between this year’s second overall pick and last year’s, is that Ingram actually has a solid chance to become the first Lakers’ Rookie of the Year since Elgin Baylor in 1959.
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In all likelihood, the Rookie of the Year race will come down to Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers, Brandon Ingram, and perhaps, even Kris Dunn of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Although Simmons is expected to make an immediate impact for the 76ers due to his other-worldly skill set, it remains to be seen how he’ll fit in with an overcrowded front court that still includes Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel, Carl Landry, and possibly, Joel Embiid.
Ingram on the other hand, will likely only have to battle with veteran Luol Deng for playing time, and that’s only if head coach Luke Walton doesn’t decide to throw Ingram in the starting line-up from the start.
Ingram has already shown flashes in the Summer League of his silky smooth offensive skill set. The rookie averaged 12.2 points, and 4.2 rebounds per game in five games for the Lakers and from the start, we saw his ability to shoot, drive to the basket, beat his man off the dribble, and create his own shot, all of which are welcomed in LA.
His defense wasn’t bad either, as Ingram has the potential to create a lot of problems for opposing teams due to his 7-foot plus wingspan. This massive reach is used to block and contest shots, reach into passing lanes, and wreak havoc as a help defender. His slender frame leaves a little to be desired, but he more than makes up for it in mental strength and toughness.
Ingram in his rookie year, will likely be an upgrade over Kobe in his final year
Another positive factor for Ingram and the Lakers is his seemingly perfect fit alongside the Lakers developing young core. As Kobe Bryant‘s career was winding down, he was unable to give the Lakers what he used to bring to the table: perimeter scoring, defense, and athleticism.
With a roster that features D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. Julius Randle and now, Brandon Ingram, he should be able to seamlessly slide in and begin to give the Lakers exactly what they’ve been missing.
This isn’t a declaration that Ingram will by any means replace Kobe and all he’s meant to the Lakers but, Ingram in his rookie year, will likely be an upgrade over Kobe in his final year. Add the 6.8 rebounds per game he added at Duke, and you’ve got yourself a solid NBA small forward.
His main competitor, Ben Simmons, will be in Philadelphia with more pressure and expectations than he’s used to. After a shake up in the front office, Philly finally looks ready to actually start trying to win games.
Ben Simmons will undoubtedly be great, but his leadership remains in question after failing to lead a less than stellar LSU team to the NCAA tournament this past season. While I’m sure Philly doesn’t see Simmons in a LeBron James, “Save The City” type of light, they are expecting him to help change the culture and be a leader in the locker room.
Next: Best and Worst Case Scenario for Jordan Clarkson Next Year
That alone is way more pressure than Ingram will likely face in Los Angeles as one of the pieces of the puzzle, rather than being the whole puzzle like Simmons. So don’t be surprised if for these reasons, Brandon Ingram takes home the 2016-17 Rookie of the Year trophy.