Brandon Ingram Discussion: He Is Who We Thought He Could Be

Ingram's the guy I wouldn't trade. Period. He's the one of the bunch I hold tight of and never let go. Kid is going to be our best player soon.

 

Westbrook
Russell
Ingram
Randle
Cousins

Ya, could be a solid team

 

I'm not trading Ingram for anything at this moment. He's done nothing but prove his value so far and at his age/experience level I want to see him slip before I even consider moving him. For all intents and purposes until we see him in NBA action, he's untouchable to me. How often do you come across a young kid so grounded with that kind of natural talent and skill level? I'm not sure there's another one in this draft class.

Now if we get to the season and we see his projected time table is longer than we'd hoped and Indy calls and offers Paul George? Okay let's talk, but until then I'm not moving him.

 

George is the only player at Ingram's position I would consider. Ingram though on potential could end up being just as good if not better basing my thoughts on his character, drive and ability. He'll struggle this year to find time and adjust...make strides in year 2 and a likely breakout in Year 3. Aside from Ingram's ability to score, I value him more for his defense. I'm willing to wait...

 

I would ecstatic if Ingram ended up as good as George. I think Ingram has a different mindset, but a similar skill set actually. I'm not sure I ever see Ingram being a big time scorer, he just doesn't have that mentality. I seem him more like Leonard in personality than George. I hope Ingram is Paul George, but it'll be probably those 3 years before we know. Heck I think Ingram has the natural ability to be better than George, but that's why he's a prospect and George is an All-Star.

 

George was and is now the centerpiece of the Pacer offense. Yes, Ingram doesn't have that hell bent alpha dog attitude that he is more about fitting in. Russell is currently the lead on the crew. It will be interesting how Ingram will move up the totem pole in a year and subsequently after that. Randle and Clarkson are second and third in front of him. The best part in all of this is that from Coach K's comments that Ingram is low maintenance helps avoid drama.

From that one game where Russell sat and Ingram took over...the latter was efficient. By year 3, this pair could be 1A and 1B on the crew from an importance standpoint.

 

I could see seriously see Ingram being a Laker for life. He could be that mainstay at the 3 that Worthy was during the Showtime era. Maybe Russell could be that other cornerstone for the duration of his pro career. I really like Randle AND Clarkson but am unsure how long they stick.

 

Ingram definitely screams cornerstone to me. Talented kid with a great head on his shoulders, what's not to love? I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be a main option at some point other than the fact he doesn't seem to have the desire to take over.

I thought @gcclaker 's Worthy comparison could be a great one. He might be the perfect kid to step into a somewhat background role compared to the other guys, but when the situation calls for it he can take them over the top. Now I'm not saying he'll play like James, but that sort of role makes sense for him.

 

Absolutely... I know it's way too early but I see Ingram and Russell wanting their own max contracts along with establishing their own respective legacies here. I really see the talent in those two to carry the franchise forward as well as attracting solid free agents in support.

Randle and Clarkson for now are fine but who knows if they will want to stay if they get more money and larger roles elsewhere when it's time to re-up? We're not even discussing Zu and Nance. Right now...with the potential this young group has it is a nice problem to have.

 

Now you all know how much I love Big Game (check my pic), and I'm going to say this now . . . I like GCC's take, and part of me feels like Ingram might even end up better than Big Game James. Yeah, I said it. It's the defensive end that really intrigues me and could potentially put him over Worthy for me. And I LOVE Worthy. Ingram just has this combination of high IQ, team first attitude but natural athleticism and instincts that wow me. He's the kid that is the most unique, talented, coachable and has the most upside of the youngsters we have. I don't move him right now for anyone. Sorry. I want to see what he does here in the next few years.

 

Worthy was more polished than Ingram spending 4 years at UNC. He was also bigger and faster...able to get around or over defenders. Ingram though in his moves is much more fluid, nicer touch on his shots and is a better perimeter scorer. Worthy though was a force on the low block. Agree that defensively, Ingram's pterodactyl arms give him that edge. Smart and anticipates well.

If I were to compare him to another Laker forward from the past, it would likely be Jamaal Wilkes [sans the corkscrew J]...silent, smooth and lethal. You don't realize he already has twenty on you while you struggle getting yours. Ingram though is better at creating off the dribble from more spots on the floor than Wilkes was.

 

Simmons will get more time as he should... Philly has no playmakers which he is. Ingram will have to bide his time behind Deng for now to get acclimated.