When Brandon Ingram was drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers last year, it was said many times that he was a long-term project who would likely struggle early on in his career.
That turned out to be very true as Ingram certainly had more than his share of issues early on in his rookie season. Despite that he really turned it on late in the season.
Because of his great rookie year, Ingram was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team via Lakers.com:
Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram has been named to the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team, it was announced today. This is the third consecutive season that a Laker has been honored with an All-Rookie team selection
Last season D’Angelo Russell was named to the All-Rookie Second Team while Jordan Clarkson made All-Rookie First Team two years ago.
For the season Ingram averaged 9.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while leading all rookies by playing 28.8 minutes a night. As the season began to end however, Ingram started getting more comfortable and began showing his immense potential.
The month of March was his coming out party as he averaged 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 35.4 minutes per game. Most importantly however, he shot 51.7 percent from the field, much higher than his full season average of 40.2 percent.
His play down the stretch of the season has given fans and the Lakers organization hope that he will be a future star in this league. The front office has gone so far as to make Ingram untouchable in trade talks.
Ingram was joined on the second team by Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown, Phoenix Suns big man Marquese Chriss, and Dallas Mavericks point guard Yogi Ferrell.
Making the first team was Joel Embiid and Dario Saric of the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks point guard Malcolm Brogdon, Sacramento Kings shooting guard Buddy Hield, and New York Knicks big man Willy Hernangomez.
