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Pros and cons of San Antonio Spurs taking Harrison Ingram of UNC basketball in 2024 NBA draft

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Pros and cons of San Antonio Spurs taking Harrison Ingram of UNC basketball in 2024 NBA draft

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UNC basketball’s Harrison Ingram was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft on Thursday in New York. 

Ingram, who spent two seasons at Stanford before joining the Tar Heels, was taken with the No. 48 overall pick. He’s the first UNC player to be selected in the draft since Day’Ron Sharpe in 2021. 

Ingram averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in his lone season at UNC. The 6-foot-6 forward had 80 assists, 51 steals and made 38.5% of his 3-pointers as arguably the Tar Heels’ best all-around player. 

Ingram finished his junior season with 11 double-doubles, had four games with five or more assists and logged multiple steals in 13 games. His best performance came in his debut against Duke. Ingram had 21 points, 13 rebounds and four steals in that win against the Blue Devils. 

Here’s what Ingram can bring to the NBA. 

Harrison Ingram positives 

Ingram’s best trait is his ability to provide whatever is needed throughout the course of a game. He evolved in his time at UNC, becoming one of the top rebounders in the ACC while showing off his offensive versatility with his scoring and playmaking. With a 7-foot wingspan, Ingram has the build to guard multiple positions. He’s a connector who plays at a controlled pace like a veteran. 

Harrison Ingram concerns 

He improved his 3-point shooting at UNC, but had stretches where he had a tough time finding a rhythm from long range. Ingram is a savvy player who knows angles and how to attack situations on both ends of the court, but his lack of athleticism could hinder his ability to create space and finish at the rim in the league. 

Final thoughts on Harrison Ingram’s NBA future 

If Ingram enters the right situation with a team and coach that will allow him to grow into a role, he could prove to be a steal in this draft. His on-court demeanor and intensity, along with his creativity as a playmaker, made him an invaluable piece at UNC. He does so many things well, so it’s not hard to see him finding a spot to stick around in the NBA. 

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter. 

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