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

I continue to see improvement from him rather than hitting any rookie wall. Or maybe he hit it ealier and has bounced back, but either way his development is one of the most encouraging things this season along with Zubac showing real flashes of special play. I think he was handled pretty perfectly by the coaching staff, started coming off the bench, earned the starting spot over Deng in time, and has continued to be given consistent minutes to grow and isn't on a short leash when he makes mistakes.

 

He's a very different player in many ways from what we thought we were getting. If he continues to stay aggressive, settles his nerves, and hits the three consistently, he's a quality starter. If he adds strength and some bulk and improves his D, too, then he's an excellent NBA player. Like the Greek Freak.

 

McDonald and Stu and Lantz mentioned how Ingram is still not getting the calls. The latter mentioned how he has to create the contact pressure the refs into whistling fouls. Ingram's skinny frame probably works against him given how he bounces off defenders thus the non calls.

 

Yes his offense has come a long way. He looks much more comfortable. His defense is also there for the most part, except when he loses focus.

His overall game really needs to grow though...he is a below average rebounder (probably because he is paper light), his passing can improve a lot, his 3 ball needs serious work, his FT shooting is below average.

But he seems to have figured out how to score and he will get better and better at it.

 

He can absolutely grow as a passer and rebounder, but he"s pretty advanced for his age in both areas. Not only is third overall in rookie total rebounds, but he's sixth in rebounds per game among rookies. The only guys above him are Embiid, Hernangomez, Saric, Labissiere, and of course Zubac. All PFs and Cs besides Brandon.

And he's seventh in assists ahead of guys like Jamal Murray and Yogi Ferrell. He's a good enough passer that Luke Walton experimented with him at PG.

Could he get better at those things? Absolutely no question, but I wouldn't qualify either his rebounding or his passing as below average. If anything they're fairly above average.

 

Most double digit scoring games by a Laker through age 19:
1. Kobe 90
2. Russell 37
3. Ingram 28
4. Bynum 27
5. Zubac 11

Whaaaat?

 

I didn't realize or think he'd be as good at attacking/getting to the basket and I didn't think he would be as developed when it comes to reading the court/passing abilities, instincts on the offensive end.

As far as the defense and shooting Ingram's brought so far is what I expected.

 

If he played all season like he has this month you're looking at the Rookie of the Year. Easy.

 

You're right and he's technically a rookie, but he has 6 years of professional experience overseas.

 

Sheed was the #1 offensive option on that team. Pippen was the leader, but Rasheed and Steve Smith were both the offensive punch.