Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram?
The NBA’s lucky lottery winner will have a chance to decide.
After Simmons declared, Ingram is following him into the NBA draft.
Ingram at The Players Tribune:My time is almost over here in Durham. Today as I declare for the NBA Draft, I’m both excited and sad about this moment.
On one hand, one year at Duke isn’t a very long time. I know that. But I’ve done a lot of growing, and growing up, in that time.
Ingram doesn’t mention hiring an agent, but it’s clear he’s staying in the draft. The piece is a farewell to Duke.
Common sense also says he should go pro. It’d be a major shock if he’s not picked in the top two picks in the draft.
The 6-foot-9 small forward is long and athletic, and he has a smooth shooting stroke. He reminds me of Kevin Durant at the same age.
But Durant separated himself by continuing to add elements to his game. He got stronger. He became a better rebounder. He improved his defense. He passes better. His handle is tighter.
Will Ingram follow suit? A point working in his: He’s still just 18 and will be until September.
I’d favor the versatility and upside of Simmons. Ingram just hasn’t done enough with his tools except shooting, though his developmental arc looks good. Getting Ingram with the second pick would be a fine consolation prize.