An early look at the Timberwolves’ draft board

Jan 26, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) reacts against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated Georgia 89-85. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) reacts against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU defeated Georgia 89-85. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 25, 2016; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) shoots over Miami Hurricanes forward Ivan Cruz Uceda (33) during the first half at BankUnited Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2016; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) shoots over Miami Hurricanes forward Ivan Cruz Uceda (33) during the first half at BankUnited Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Ingram– Forward, Duke

2015-16 Stats: 17.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.8 APG

Player Strengths: Ingram has a very unique skill-set given his body type. He’s tall (6′-9″) and lanky (190 pounds) with arms that could maybe hang down towards his feet. His length, at least at the college level, has given him the ability grab a bunch of rebounds. Ingram even blocks about 1.5 shots per contest at Duke, which should be a testament to his lengthiness as well.

Unlike Simmons, Ingram has a well-developed jumper and can knock it down at a decent rate. He can can also step back and knock down threes, which is always coveted in the NBA.

Player Weaknesses: Although his length can be a strength, it can also be a weakness. As stated above, he is only 190 pounds, which means he doesn’t have a whole lot of meat on his bones. To give you some perspective, Ingram is nine inches taller than me, but he only weighs 30 more pounds. That’s not a good thing. He will have to build some muscle and get stronger in order for him to become a real player in this league.

Player Comparison: His blend of length and scoring ability is reminiscent of Kevin Durant when he was coming out of Texas. Durant, if you recall was very skinny as well when he came out in 2007. I don’t know if Ingram will become a Kevin Durant, but the Wolves are always intrigued by young, raw talent so he’d fit right in for the most part.

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