Brandon Ingram is very skinny. I know, this is not breaking news. But when looking at Ingram and his rail-thin physique, numerous questions arise about how effective he will be and how the lack of bulk on his frame will hamper him in his rookie season. At 6’9″ and only 190 pounds, this is understandable. After all, guys his size would typically carry anywhere between 30-40 pounds fairly easily.
That weight matters. I matters when anchoring both offensively and defensively. You want to hold position in the post? You want to battle a guy trying to back you down? You want to move a player on a box out or avoid having him move you out? That extra weight matters. There is no way around this.
What also matters, though, is strength. With a prospect like Ingram, it’s important to note the distinction between strength and weight. While he is actively working to put on pounds and improve his strength, the likelihood is that only the latter will improve much over the course of his rookie season.
And, based on a long-form piece by Baxter Holmes of ESPN which published Tuesday, it may be better that Ingram is focusing on strength and not so much on adding a lot of weight rapidly. Holmes’ entire piece is informative and worth your time, but this passage, I think, spells out the concerns:
The knee-jerk reaction: If Ingram wants to succeed in the “man’s world” of the NBA, he must continue feasting to add as much weight as possible as quickly as possible. That view isn’t exclusive to Ingram; it’s decades old and is especially reserved for svelte young hoopers who, upon realizing their pro aspirations, look like saplings in an old-growth forest.
But it’s wrong, experts say.
Weight goals and accelerated weight gain, they claim, are not only shortsighted, but dangerous.
In his 2013 book “Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable,” longtime trainer Tim Grover, who has worked with hundreds of players, most notably Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, is clear: the goal isn’t to add muscle or even necessarily weight.
“The goal is to train your muscles for maximum quick, explosive force,” Grover writes. “If you want a bodybuilding program for beach muscles, look elsewhere.”
Holmes further explains that Ingram actually had been on this path of really trying to add pounds. Around the time of the draft, Ingram actually cited he had a goal of getting up to 210 pounds by the time the season started. He was eating upwards of 5,000 calories a day and doing extensive work in the weight room to try and get there. Turns out, though, that he has changed his approach and taken a different path. More from Holmes:
Ingram, for his part, has changed — dramatically. No longer does he consume 5,000 calories every 24 hours. “I tried before, but I just eat what I can during the day,” he says. “Whenever my reminder comes up, if I’m not hungry, I still try to eat a little something just to get through the day.” And no longer does he aim to weigh 210 by the fall. “I actually don’t have a goal right now,” Ingram says. He preaches patience. He tells himself the weight will come. “I know we have good trainers,” he says. “I’ll just listen to them.”
The Lakers, having endured all sorts of criticism over the past five years for outdated approaches and processes, seem, in this case, to be in line with experts’ current thinking. And they are sending clear signals that they’re inclined to let Ingram take his time filling out. “He’s young,” says Luke Walton, the Lakers’ new head coach. “He’ll grow into it.”
It’s a relief to hear that the Lakers seem to be “in line with experts’ current thinking” in this field. Ingram has the opportunity to be a special player. Reaching his ceiling will, of course, come down to a lot of different factors — some not in the control of the team or, even, the player. But the last thing anyone would want to do is to impact his ability to reach his ceiling through methods that actually are under their control. Things like the proper diet and training regimen are on that list and I am happy to read that the Lakers and Ingram are on the right path.
Further, and this goes back to my point at the top, at this point what matters most for Ingram is functional strength. Can he fend off defenders to make clean catches in isolation? Can he keep defenders on his hip when coming off screens to get into open space? Can avoid being bullied defensively by some of the “power” wings who he’ll have to guard? Can he fight through screens, not get rerouted on cuts, and shed defenders who are clutching and holding him?
The answers to these questions have less to do with how much weight he carries and more with how strong he can be in his base and upper body when battling with his man on and off the ball. In the short term, it looks like the Lakers understand this, as well. Which should only help his growth and development this season and beyond.
Still, though, all of this is one of the reasons why I have tempered expectations for Ingram in his rookie year. As Holmes notes in his story, Ingram may still be growing. He’s also only 18 now and his entire rookie season will take place during his age 19 year. While Ingram has a ton of poise and a fantastic temperament, he simply needs to physically mature and learn the league. We saw this last year with D’Angelo Russell and I expect to see similar growing pains with Ingram.
Ultimately, though, it looks like he is on the right path. Which, with his talent base, is really all we can hope for.
LAKER4LIFE says
Men generally stop growing when they reach more or less at 25 years old. The ends of their long bones – the Growth plate closes eventually when they mature. I’ve read the above articles that slow gradual growth for Ingram wound be beneficial and safer. because once you become heavy and the growth plate is not closed yet, you are likely to be prone to injuries on your joints. Yah Vol. I fully agree. I think strength would be his priority now to prepare him for the 82 game season as well as the secrets of NBA plays . This is not the RAH RAH land anymore.Let Nance and Randle handle the bulls.
LAKER4LIFE says
Cont… Can you Imagine a 6’11’ or 7’0′ Ingram that plays and shoots like this. He’s actually,I think, the hidden gem of the Lakers.
matt24 says
Jerry west is not the general manager of the warriors he joined the warriors in 2011 as an executive, steph curry was already on the team
LT Mitchell says
I looked up the measurements of a few other skinny players when entering the league out of curiosity. Reggie Miller was 6-7, 185 lbs out of college (hard to believe he weighed that much) , but he was a senior and a few years older than Ingram. Reggie is the prototypical hard gainer, but his career turned out fine. Durant was 6-9, 220. Again, I was surprised he weighed that much. There were concerns about his frame and strength before the draft, and when he was the only prospect who couldn’t bench 185, those concerns only grew. Porzingis was 7-0, 220. Almost every analyst said he needed time to fill out and develop, but he excelled from the get go.
Although weight and strength are important, I don’t think it’s as important as it was in the past when there was more post play, more one on one defense, and more physical play in general, especially if you can shoot from outside.
I would like to see Ingram play the 4 in small ball lineups as soon as this year whether he gains weight or not. I think there’s a chance that he could actually have more success at that position by using his speed advantage, despite his weight.
jmjacoby says
I haven’t been this excited about the Lakers since Phil Jackson’s first year. The way that team came together was magical. (I need to watch some highlights) Although there is no promise this team will ever be that great, the adrenaline rush is tangible. I really have a hard time recalling any Laker team with so much young talent. It must have been when Worthy was drafted. That team was way more balanced and deep. This is a different kind of team. This is a team I think I can love. I currently don’t own a jersey of any of the current players. I hope that changes. 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnvtz0Ok_0o
JuanJ says
jmjacoby
Man, I´m screaming and yelling along with the highlights as if it were happpening right now, thanks jm, I needed this!!
(& it´s just great to hear Chick doing his thing – miss you Golden Throat!!!)
ED 10 says
The important thing is that the right nutrition and supplements combined with hours in the weightroom and conditioning builds strength. Weight will come gradually,but the functional strength that all players need is the result of many hours of work. Work hard ,but also work smart for max effect to prevent injury.
Vasheed says
When Ingram announced his eating scheme I thought we might wind up with a player with a pot belly. 😛
KevTheBold says
jmjacoby
I’m with you; this team has some amazing talent, work ethic, character and chemistry.
Along with our new coach, there will be some interesting and entertaining times ahead.
KevTheBold says
Vasheed
Lol !
Clay Bertrand says
I gotta say…..I posted on this same ESPN Holmes subject a month ago!!! Specifically, I said:
1.) Ingram is an ECTOMORPH–and thus has LONG muscles & misleading strength
2.) He hasn’t stopped growing yet
3.) His body type/metabolism will not allow him to maintain a thicker build
PROVEN: Baxter Holmes STRAIGHT UP reads Forum Blue & Gold!!!!! Smart man!! ; )
I also said, and I will repeat, that Basketball is a TALL MAN’S game. Most guys that are the tallest of our species have ectomorphic builds. In the past, MOST players have been on the skinnier side. Its one of the reasons SHAQ was so damn dominant: He is a 7 FT TRIPLE MESOMORPH who played against a league of ectomorphs!!
COOP was certainly a skinny guy as was Reggie “CHERYL IS BUFFER THAN ME” Miller. I remember a guy who played for the Bucks and then the Magic I believe named Jerry Reynolds (Not the Sac Kings coach turned announcer guy). Chick Hearn would say he was, “…so skinny, if he turned sideways you wouldn’t see him.” If I’m God, I just have Chick following me around all day doing Play by Play for everything I do.
To me, the best part of the article as Darius highlights is that the Lakers appear very content to let Ingram develop naturally which signifies an eye on the big picture and not on the short term. Mitch isn’t stupid.
Clay Bertrand says
I’d like to put forth a preemptive “NO” vote on any potential mention of the idea that Derek Fisher should be brought back to mentor this team.
Just the same I am really pulling for D-FISH to get picked up by some team just for my selfish reasons of wanting to see him play the Sac Kings and Matt Barnes.
A Horse With No Name says
Clay Bertrand
I’ve covered the “morph” body type here on several occasions. Most recently I pointed out that Shaq, Ron Artest and Julius Randle, are mesomorphs. As you note, most tall guys are ectomorphs. Julius Randle is already showing the advantages in power that an athlete with this body type has. His combination of power, speed and quickness is an uncommon thing, and too much for most opposing players to handle. I’ve also noted that Randle’s ability to keep up with LeBron (didn’t say stop!) on his power drives was illuminating this season.
A Horse With No Name says
Clay Bertrand
Oh yeah, I should of mentioned the obvious: LeBron, along with Shaq, are almost certainly the greatest mesomorph players the league has ever seen.
Clay Bertrand says
A Horse With No Name Clay Bertrand
Agreed on Lebron for sure. Artest as well. While I myself am more of a CARNITASMORPH which is a lesser known physical build that tends to be a little softer around the middle.
I believe Robert Traylor, John “Hot Plate” Williams and Michael Sweetney were some of the more accomplished CARNITASMORPHS………there haven’t been alot of em in the NBA.
A Horse With No Name says
Clay Bertrand A Horse With No Name
Better a carnitasmorph than a chicarronmorph!
LordMo says
Lol just stop kid can’t guard his shadow but can stay with LeBron…
No Clay he can’t keep up with.LeBron period
KevTheBold says
LAKER4LIFE
Agree !
Let’s hope long term vision prevails, and we don’t trade him away just to save Jim’s job, and satisfy those few fans who can’t keep still.
wwlofficial says
So in order for the conspiracy theorists to rest their cases, Ingram should work on getting a Laker contract 1st.
Troll Comment aside, atleast have OKC sign Domantas Sabonis already.
Clay Bertrand says
A Horse With No Name Clay Bertrand
Those Chicharronmorphs are slobs!!
Clay Bertrand says
Looks like Westbrook is gonna stay put for awhile…………
Please remember to recycle all Tin Foil hats.
KevTheBold says
Clay Bertrand
Lol,..
That’s Great Newz !!
smokedaddy says
matt24 Another Ectomorph par excellent
Still R says
Clay Bertrand doesn’t sound like a done deal, but I sure hope you are right, Clay!
Still R says
Clay Bertrand Maybe PJ’ll pick him up.
He couldn’t make the triangle work as a coach, but maybe can do as a player (I jest, of course).
Altemawa says
now that RW agreeing to re-sign with OKC, he’s locked for 2 years, but still available for trade…kinda giving assurance that he’s not a 1-year rental guy.
what else are we waiting before we sign Ingram?
he’s skinny, but he’s comfortable with his build, so he should be fine. Just play his game, use team defense to cover his weaknesses.
Clay Bertrand says
Altemawa
RW can’t be moved for 6 months since signing his new deal. Not that it matters…..