3. SF Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Lakers
As a man often referred to by the moniker of “Inspector Gadget,” it’s not difficult to pinpoint the physical tools that make Brandon Ingram unique. The second overall selections provides an uncanny wingspan to the perimeter, with the ability to operate in long strides and get shots up from essentially any angle on the offensive side of the basketball.
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On a Lakers’ squad that did make some subtle improvements from a talent perspective this offseason, Ingram is still is position to excel early on. His lack of strength is an obvious concern, but his overarching skill is an aspect that clearly projects him as one of the better rookie talents.
His shooting is an immediate benefit from an NBA perspective. He shot upwards of 40 percent from beyond the arc during his sole season with Duke, and has the ability to create either off the dribble or spot up with notable proficiency. His length makes it difficult to contest his shot effectively, which allows him to find numerous holes in the defense and exploit them with shots that wouldn’t typically be made be players as young as he is.
Defensively, Ingram’s length and quickness allow him to intercept passing lanes with apparent ease at times. He’s moves swiftly around the floor and is highly fluid in essentially every aspect of his game on both sides of the ball. His thin frame could hold him back when defending some stronger opposition early on, but he has the ability to block shots and keep a hand in his opponent’s face without bodying him up at the highest level.
Ingram has drawn his fair share of Kevin Durant comparisons, and while that may be a bit far-fetched in a number of areas, the essential tools to match quite well. Both players are able to utilize their length to create opportunities that wouldn’t be available otherwise on the offensive side of the ball, and Ingram’s pure shooting stroke is something that should only become increasingly efficient as his career progresses.
The Lakers are attempting to build a competitior around the young pieces they have for the time being, and Ingram headlines that group alongside D’Angelo Russell. He’ll have veteran help in the locker room in Luol Deng, and a coach that could pander ideally to the skills that maximize his production in Luke Walton. He’s a confident player, and playing in Los Angeles on an increasingly revamped roster should only motivate it more.
Next: 2. Murray