Lakers’ rookie, Brandon Ingram is one of the most intriguing wing prospects in recent memory, boasting a staggering combination of physical gifts and raw talent
When the Lakers made Brandon Ingram the number two overall pick in the 2016 draft, most fans were excited about his length and ability to shoot from all over the court. However, a deeper examination of Ingram’s game reveals that his abilities on the basketball court go far beyond what he was known for in college.
While Brandon Ingram was known mostly as a scorer at Duke, something that truly sets him apart from other young wings is his playmaking ability. Throughout his college career Ingram demonstrated an underrated knack for making the right pass and finding his teammates for open looks.
Although Ingram stands nearly 6-foot-10 and growing, he handles the ball quite well, with a solid variety of cross-overs and hesitation dribbles in his arsenal. This skill has translated to the NBA relatively quickly, as Ingram looked quite comfortable with the ball in his hands in the Lakers’ second preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
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Despite not dominating the ball the way fellow rookie Ben Simmons did at LSU, Ingram flashed the ability to run pick and rolls as the ball-handler in college. Ingram actually did very well in that regard, particularly when taking into consideration that players his size are traditionally the screener in that type of action.
Further, Ingram does an excellent job of using his height to his advantage as a passer, both in the pick and roll and in other situations. His size gives him a good vantage point from which to survey the floor, and his length allows him to make passes over the top of the defense.
Ingram’s playmaking impressed Luke Walton enough for the coach to give him minutes at point guard towards the end of the preseason. The rookie acquitted himself quite well at that position, making solid reads and maintaining a good balance of creating for himself and others. He also showed improved aggressiveness, getting into the paint and drawing contact on several occasions.
This particular offense suits him well, as the point guard isn’t forced to bear the entire weight of the offense single-handedly. In a system with an emphasis on player and ball-movement, coupled with quick and decisive pick and roll action, Ingram is fully capable of taking the reins in certain situations.
While it’s unlikely that Ingram’s primary position throughout his career will be point guard, there’s a definite case to be made that he should be in consideration for that position with the bench unit this season. This would not only speed his development, as it would force him to be more involved on offense, but would also allow the Lakers to compensate for the size disadvantage that playing Lou Williams at shooting guard causes.
Regardless if that’s the manner in which Walton decides to use him, having a player of his size who can create offense is valuable at any position. Fans should expect to see Ingram in a variety of roles this season, as Luke Walton manipulates match-ups with opponents and attempts to put his young players into the most favorable positions possible.
Essentially, Brandon Ingram gives the Lakers a player who typifies the modern NBA, as he has the physical ability and skill set to perform well at multiple positions.
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With a new coach who is willing and able to make use of Ingram’s incredible versatility, fans of the Purple and Gold have plenty to look forward to when it comes to their new cornerstone wing.