1.) He’s consistently improved in almost every statistical category every year and is still only 21 years old.
When looking at Ingram’s numbers from his three seasons in the league so far, it’s clear that he’s made big strides. Going from 9.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his first year, to 16.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists in his second year.
This year, with the addition of LeBron James, Ingram’s numbers have stagnated a bit, and his shooting numbers have regressed slightly. But this kind of drop-off is expected when you go from being a primary scorer and facilitator to taking a backseat to the greatest player in the league. This year, Ingram is averaging 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
However, Ingram has turned it up a notch as of late, averaging 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 55% shooting over his last ten games as the Lakers make a push for the playoffs.
With his length, ball-handling ability and shot creation, Ingram has all of the tools to be an elite talent in the NBA. Each year, he’s given us glimpses of that potential.
Let’s play a little game. Here are the stat-lines for the first three years of three different players.
Player X
- Year 1: 7.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists
- Year 2: 11.9 points, 6 rebounds, 1.6 assists
- Year 3: 12.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2 assists
Player Y
- Year 1: 5.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists
- Year 2: 11.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists
- Year 3: 14.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3 assists
Player Z
- Year 1: 2.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists
- Year 2: 8.6 points, 4 rebounds, 1.4 assists
- Year 3: 13.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists
Player X is two-time DPOY and 2014 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, Player Y is All-Star Gordon Hayward, and Player Z is 4x All-Star and 4x All-NBA Defense Jimmy Butler. Ingram’s numbers are much better.
With Ingram, I have no doubt that he can one day reach the level of those guys, it’s just that with any young prospect, it takes time, and Ingram has proven himself to be a hard worker who’s devoted to improving as a player each and every year.
*Stats from basketballreference.com