Hoops Habit
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 11
Next
Nov 26, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) fouls Detroit Pistons center Aron Baynes (12) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) fouls Detroit Pistons center Aron Baynes (12) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Domantas Sabonis, Oklahoma City Thunder

There are a few parts of Domantas Sabonis’ game that concern others. He’s a big man, yet he rarely forces contact and gets to the line. He’s not a decent shot blocker or rebounder for his position.

But man can he put the ball in the hoop when given a chance.

The Rookie of the Year Award has been for years an offensive award, with scoring totals leading the charge for voters.

If Sabonis got more looks in games for the Oklahoma City Thunder, he’d have a real shot at challenging Joel Embiid for the rookie scoring title.

His touch both inside and out is that good, as he can finish all over the floor.

He’s converted on looks around the basket, in the mid-range and even from the 3-point line. His 44.9 percentage from deep might be the most surprising aspect of his game so far.

Sabonis’ offensive numbers are enough to keep him in a top spot in these rankings. Few players at his age have ever had the foot work and touch from multiple spots on the floor.

But if he’s never able to handle the physicality of the professional game and rebound and defend, then his upside seriously decreases.