In preparation for the 2016-17 Fantasy Basketball season, it's time to get to know some of the new guys in the player pool.  The 2015 draft brought in a massive influx of fantasy relevant NBA talent, from a burgeoning super-star at the top of the draft (Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns) to a hidden jewel in the middle of the 2nd round (Miami's Josh Richardson).

While this draft doesn't have as much guaranteed talent in the lottery, it does feature its own star at the top and a depth of intriguing players who could make an impact from out of the 2nd round.  For the second straight season, the #2 pick in the draft has gone to the once might Los Angeles Lakers, down on bad times. Joining D'Angelo Russell and the youth movement in LA is a real wing with actual talent, instead of Nick Young and the ghost of Kobe Bryant.

NBA Rookie Fantasy Profile: Brandon Ingram

Position: SF

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Draft Spot: 1.02

Analysis: Ingram was one of the most highly anticipated prospects to come out of the 2015 high school class. He dominated at Duke, scoring 17.3 points with 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 34.6 minutes. He was seen as being the second player in a two-person top tier for this draft class. The Lakers also thought that, as they drafted him with the second overall pick.

Ingram will slide into the starting small forward role for the Lakers this season. There are rumors swirling around that Kobe Bryant wants to return to teach Ingram, but there is essentially no chance that happens. Kobe's too busy running his foreign business ventures and being in commercials for Ghostbusters. Ingram should immediately become a part of the offense. He has the length and ball skills to attack and finish around the basket, and he also shot 41% from beyond the arc in college. While he should have no problems scoring in the NBA, he’s a bit too slight to rebound at quite the same rate he did in college. Ingram is a long enough player to be able to contribute across the board in fantasy, but it would be surprising if were able to contribute more than scoring at a high level early this season. He is certainly worth a selection in re-draft leagues, though, as he’ll likely continue to get better as the season progresses.

Ingram’s development through his first season at Duke was extremely encouraging for the outlook on his NBA career. He has the body type and skill set to become an elite player if he is able to add weight to his slender frame. Ingram will be able to score immediately in his career, but he has the ability to contribute in all nine fantasy categories as he learns how to use his frame and weight, assuming he adds come. It isn’t crazy to believe that Ingram will become the face of the franchise for the Lakers, even with players like D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle developing, as well. Ingram is an elite dynasty prospect, as his upside is a similar player to Kevin Durant. That is probably going to be impossible to reach, but Ingram’s dynasty floor is an elite scorer, who can contribute at some level in multiple categories. He’s an elite prospect.

Bottom Line: Will immediately produce strong numbers in points and 3PM. Has the ability to produce in assists, blocks, steals and rebounds, as well, but could struggle early in his career with efficiency. Worth selecting in the mid-rounds of re-draft leagues.