One of the biggest breakout stars this season has been Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, aka ‘The Greek Freak.’ Antetokoumpo was voted to start in his first All-Star Game and his length, athleticism, and versatility make him a tough matchup for anyone who opposes him.
It took some time for Antetokoumpo to really get a handle on the NBA game as he struggled early on and the Los Angeles Lakers hope they have something similar in their rookie Brandon Ingram. This season has seen Ingram play a number of different positions and flash an all-around game that some weren’t aware he possessed.
Ingram has been in a bit of a slump recently, being held scoreless in back-to-back games, but that doesn’t worry teammate Nick Young. Young compared Ingram to Antetokounmpo, noting that it’s about more than scoring for Ingram according to Bill Oram of the OC Register:
“It ain’t all about points for him. He’s got to be like the Greek Freak for us,” said Nick Young, referring to Milwaukee Bucks 6-foot-11 hybrid star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Unfortunately for Ingram, his other stats have also dipped the last couple of games. He has totaled just seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block over the Lakers last three contests.
Nonetheless, Young is still not worried about the rookie believing that Ingram may have hit the ‘rookie wall’ and even recalling that he, himself had some scoreless games during his rookie year:
“I had a couple games where I didn’t score,” Young said. “But you can’t get down on yourself. (He’s) still … one of the most talented guys in the league. He’ll be all right.”
Even with his struggles, Ingram clearly has the support of his teammates and coaches. Luke Walton expressed no worries that the rookie would get over his slump and Young obviously feels the same way.
Ingram has an excellent work ethic and is undoubtedly putting in a lot of work to get over his recent struggles. It will be a long road for the rookie, but the Lakers will be behind him every step of the way.
