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2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Is Brandon Ingram A Future Star?

By Nathan Grubel

Nov 29, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Brown (21) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Brown (21) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14) drives past Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) in the second half at Amway Center. The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14) drives past Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) in the second half at Amway Center. The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee Bucks

Malcolm Brogdon is in a similar boat with most of his rookie peers in that he’s not “exciting”.

He’s not reaching up and grabbing rebounds with ferocity, or dunking the ball in fashion in transition every trip down the floor. Brogdon’s strength is that he’s just a solid basketball player.

His defensive instincts are advanced for a rookie, both guarding his own man and helping others. He can handle the ball on offense and create his own shot going to the basket.

And while he doesn’t have a pull-up game yet from range, Brogdon can still knock down outside looks off the catch.

These are translatable skills to the next level, things that scouts look for in prospects coming out of college. Players aren’t expected to be stars right away, but they have to show qualitites that can instantly impact to warrant a draft pick.

Does he have the athletic ability to affect the game in more ways than that? Yes, he’s no joke as an athlete. But he doesn’t rely on it to make his mark on the game, which will mean a lot later in his career.

The Milwaukee Bucks got a solid wing out of Brogdon, and taking his offensive game off the dribble to another level is the clear next step.