2016 NBA Draft: Brandon Ingram Player Breakdown

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Apr 21, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (34) guards Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Thunder defeated the Mavericks 131-102. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Comparisons

There’s no question that Brandon Ingram has it in him to become one of the better players in the NBA. He has the physical profile of an elite small forward, and the upside to be a genuine force on both ends of the floor.

The most intriguing comparison for Ingram is one that’s persisted over the past few months: Kevin Durant.

Much like Durant, Ingram is a lethal 3-point shooter with the size and length to be a matchup nightmare in the NBA. He’s also very thin, like Durant was as a freshman, and needs to add significant muscle mass in order to be able to create his own offense.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – JUNE 06: Stephen Jackson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena on June 6, 2012 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Durant, a former league MVP with four scoring titles, will be a tough player to match, but the elite upside is legitimate.

The safer upside comparison for Ingram is Stephen Jackson. Much like Jackson, Ingram has great instincts, the versatility to play multiple roles, and the combination of size and length to make plays on both ends.

Whether he becomes a player closer to Durant or Jackson’s respective statures, Ingram could be a very special player if developed properly.

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