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Harrison Ingram 2024 NBA Draft Profile

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Eamon Cassels | Last updated 4/30/24

Harrison Ingram is one of the more intriguing names in the NBA draft. The versatile forward hopes to be a draft-day steal and make an immediate impact. Ingram was a vital part of North Carolina earning a one-seed and their sweet sixteen run.

Harrison Ingram 2024 NBA Draft Profile

College Career

Ingram started his college career at Stanford. As a freshman Ingram was named Pac-12 Rookie of the Year averaging 10.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, and 3 apg. He put up similar numbers as a sophomore at Stanford before transferring to North Carolina. Ingram made an immediate all-around impact on an ultra-competitive UNC squad. UNC posted a 29-8 record on the season and earned a one-seed in the NCAA tournament.

They made a run to the Sweet Sixteen before being upset by two points to Alabama. Ingram was a vital part of Carolina’s success on both ends of the floor. He averaged 12.2 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.4 steals and shot 38% on three-pointers. Ingram was named to the All-ACC third team. Recently Ingram entered the NBA draft. The seasoned college veteran could make an instant impact as a rookie.

Strengths

Ingram’s defensive versatility is his biggest strength. He is capable of defending both opposing wings and guards. Ingram uses his seven-foot wingspan and defensive instincts to create havoc defensively. He’s both a high-level on-ball stopper and a high-IQ player who perfectly plays the passing lanes as evidenced by his 1.4 steals per game. Ingram pairs his defense with elite rebounding; he averaged 8.8 rebounds at UNC. He uses an ideal combination of hustle, and IQ to grab tons of boards. This number is especially impressive considering Ingram shared the floor with Armando Bacot, one of the best rebounders in the country. Ingram’s energy and intensity stand out defensively he’s an ideal complementary wing.

At six-foot-seven with a seven-foot wingspan, Ingram has the prototypical build for a modern wing. Offensively Ingram is a connective team-first playmaker. While you won’t ask him to run the offense he is an ideal secondary playmaker. Ingram is a willing passer who uses his basketball IQ and court vision to set up his teammates of a variety of different shots. He is also an active off-ball cutter and mover. Ingram became a 40% three-point shooter last year if his shooting translates he could become an extremely valuable wing.

Weaknesses

Ingram isn’t a gifted shot-creator and is an inefficient rim finisher he shot just 50% at the rim this year. He will survive in the league with his off-ball play. Additionally, Ingram isn’t an explosive athlete. This limits Ingram’s offensive upside but also draws questions about how he’ll be able to defend faster perimeter players in the NBA. Ingram has a well-rounded skill set but he’s not none of his strengths are elite enough to guarantee him a spot in an NBA rotation.

At 21, Ingram is on the older side, and without elite skills that will clearly translate scouts may have a tough time getting behind Ingram. While Ingram’s shooting was a positive this season it was largely a negative throughout his college career. Ingram is a career 34% three-point shooter which includes his first two years where he shot 31% from beyond the arc. Notably, Ingram is a career 62% free throw shooter making his shot a real question mark.

NBA Comparison

Shooting will likely make or break Ingram’s NBA impact. If his jumper is consistent Ingram will be a highly coveted 3-and-D wing. If not he will be a fringe rotational player who’s occasionally in the game for defense and energy. Given these scenarios, Grant Williams and Dorian Finney-Smith are two fair comparisons if Ingram’s jump shot pans out. Fellow UNC alumni Nassir Little is what Ingram’s career may look like if his shooting doesn’t translate.