Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is North Carolina’s Harrison Ingram.
Ingram projects to be a glue guy and connector, someone who can offer a variety of offensive and defensive skill sets.
Profile
2023-24 Stats: 37 games, 32.8 minutes, 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.4 blocks, 46.7% FG, 38.5% 3P, 61.2% FT
Team: North Carolina
Year: Junior
Position: SF/PF
Height (without shoes) & Weight: 6’5.25” | 233.6 lbs
Born: November 27, 2002 (21 years old)
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
High School: St. Mark’s School
Strengths
Harrison Ingram is a stellar playmaker for his size. He plays like a college veteran and knows how to play at his own pace. Before transferring to UNC, he played at Stanford where he was primarily used as a pick-and-roll ball handler. With North Carolina he became a playmaking hub for their offense, typically operating out of the post or elbows. Ingram dramatically refined his shooting at UNC, making 40 percent of threes. Ingram is an excellent rebounder and regularly displays good timing when crashing the boards. He projects to be a highly versatile defender — he’s quick enough to switch onto guards and uses his length and size well against wings and forwards. He plays with strong fundamentals and consistently shows effort on the defensive end.
Weaknesses
Ingram struggles to create space off the dribble, typically forcing him into heavily contested shots at the rim or in the midrange. He struggled to convert baskets around the rim, making only 52.4 percent of his shots, per Synergy. Before transferring to UNC, Ingram was a below average shooter, never averaging over 32 percent from three. He has decent form, but lacks a soft, natural touch.
Positional Fit
Ingram may be one of the most unique players to be had in the second round, as his combination of size and playmaking allow him to practically be slotted into any position. Comparing him to one specific player is difficult, but think of someone like Joe Johnson who is less of a scorer and more of a playmaker. Or someone like Grant Williams, who acts as a glue guy who takes tough defensive assignments.
Draft Projection
Second round
There’s plenty of red flags here to consider, but Ingram’s playmaking, defensive versatility and ability to play within his role will certainly find him a home in the NBA. Don’t be surprised if Ingram gets scooped up in the late first round, as there’s plenty to like if you believe in his shooting progression.