Brandon Ingram (Photo : Getty Images/Sean M. Haffey)
The LA Lakers took Brandon Ingram as the no.2 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and it seemed like the easiest pick to make.
The consensus from the experts was that there were only two sure All-Stars in this draft and that was Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram. By being no.2, the Lakers simply had to wait for whichever player the Sixers did not pick.
Ingram came to the NBA after just one season at Duke University, playing under Team USA Coach Mike Krzyzewski. Thus, he is a product of a stern, structured system. Yet, he did have his share of critics.
The main critique for Ingram is his weight which leads to questions on whether he can survive the physicality of the NBA. Even with Kevin Durant's endorsement, it is still a question worth asking.
However, Ingram doesn't seem to mind. In fact, he has a goal to win the Rookie of the Year Award, as he shared with SB Nation Lakers site Silver Screen and Roll.
"That's something that is on my mind," Ingram said. "All rookies want to win rookie of the year. That's something that drives me."
Does Ingram stand a chance over Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers, the first overall pick and the odds-on favorite to win the award?
Every rookie has a chance in theory, of course but it seems clear that the Sixers have handed over the reins of their team to Simmons. The reality is that Ingram may not even be a lock to start because the Lakers did sign small forward Luol Deng, a fellow Duke product.
But Simmons is not the only rookie in the Sixers lineup that could vie for the award. Joel Embiid, a center from Kansas drafted 3rd overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. He has yet to play a single game due to injury and thus, is considered a rookie.
Unlike Simmons who was a projected no.1 pick for the past two years, Ingram crept up the draft boards, dislodging Kentucky's Skal Labissiere (who had a huge drop and was picked 28th overall) among other prospects.
Sports Illustrated predicted Ben Simmons to win Rookie of the Year but they also thought that Ingram could be the most successful. That means Ingram could have a better career but he may need more time to develop, as opposed to Simmons who could contribute right away.
There are some definite possibilities that could sway the race in Ingram's favor. Simmons faces more pressure than Ingram does and based on his lone college season, the Australian would sometimes give up on some occasions. That's something that Coach K would not tolerate at Duke.
Also, Simmons is being tasked with playmaking duties-somewhat of a point forward. The confusion on his position along with the logjam at center with Philly may be detrimental to Simmons campaign.
In contrast, Ingram just fit right in with the Lakers vacancy at the small forward spot. His offense is just what the doctor ordered for the Lakers who previously had Kobe Bryant at the starting three spot.
Ingram has the talent and despite the naysayers, he has a solid chance at the Rookie of the Year Award.
