Former Duke Blue Devil Brandon Ingram has been honored for his rookie year performance by being named to the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team, the Los Angeles Lakers announced.
The Lakers now have had a player selected in an NBA All-Rookie team for the past three years, with rising star Ingram being the fifth player ever in the history of the franchise to end up in an NBA All-Rookie Second Team. The previous cases were Nick Van Exel in 1993-1994, Kobe Bryant and Travis Knight both in the 1996-1997 season, and D'Angelo Russell in 2015.
NBA announces 2017 All-Rookie teams. First team: Malcolm Brogdon, Dario Saric, Joel Embiid, Buddy Hield, Willy Hernangomez pic.twitter.com/xF3KqeQcKW
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 26, 2017
The Lakers selected Ingram at number two in the 2016 NBA draft as the 19-year-old was one of the most intriguing prospects at the forward spot in recent years.
The 6ft 9in forward has been compared to Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant due to his ability to run down the floor, shoot, and handle the ball well, which is unusual for a player of that height.
Ingram had an up-and-down rookie season in Los Angeles but he didn't fail to showcase his talent and the promise he possess. Ingram struggled at the beginning of his NBA career but improved and became a consistent player after the All-Star break.
In 79 games played this past season (starting 40), Ingram averaged 9.4 points on 40.2 field goal percentage, along with four rebounds in 28.8 minutes per game. However, Ingram finished the season strong, averaging 13.5 points on an impressive 51.7 percent shooting from the field in 11 games played during the month of March.
Ingram, who participated in the Rising Stars Challenge in New Orleans for All-Star weekend, finished 8th in scoring and 10th in rebounding among rookies last season.
Just the beginning for Brandon Ingram
Though not selected to the NBA's First All-Rookie Team, Brandon Ingram still remains an intriguing prospect in the league with star potential down the line.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram has been a regular guest in the gym this offseason, working on multiple areas of his game. The 19-year-old is preparing for the upcoming NBA Summer League, and his focus remains on being physically and mentally ready for the next NBA season. Ingram will be looking to make a breakthrough in his sophomore year after gaining valuable experience in his rookie campaign.
Things will certainly be interesting for the purple and gold moving forward, particularly with the team sending Russell to the Brooklyn Nets and drafting Lonzo Ball -- and Brandon Ingram will certainly be a major part of the team's future.
