Spurs' Harrison Ingram thriving in the G League

The 2024 second-round pick is embracing his role as a defensive-minded, lunch pail swingman, earning praise from coach Mitch Johnson.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Harrison Ingram, a 23-year-old forward for the San Antonio Spurs, has been thriving in the G League with the Austin Spurs. Ingram, a 2024 second-round pick, has embraced his role as a defensive-minded, blue-collar player, earning praise from Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson. Despite being overlooked for individual awards, Ingram remains focused on improving his game and earning a spot on the Spurs' NBA roster.

Why it matters

Ingram's development in the G League is important for the Spurs, as they look to build a well-rounded roster around their young core. His willingness to accept a role-player mentality and focus on defense and rebounding aligns with the Spurs' reputation for player development and team-first basketball.

The details

Ingram, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound swingman, was selected 48th overall by the Spurs in the 2024 NBA Draft after two years at Stanford and one season at North Carolina. Unlike some of his peers, Ingram has spent a significant amount of time in the G League, where he has thrived. In mid-February, he was named the G League Player of the Week after averaging 22.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists over five games. For the season, Ingram is averaging 16.1 points, a G League-best 12.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 34.5 minutes per game.

  • In mid-February, Ingram was named the G League Player of the Week.

The players

Harrison Ingram

A 23-year-old forward for the San Antonio Spurs, who was selected 48th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft after two years at Stanford and one season at North Carolina.

Mitch Johnson

The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who has defined Ingram's role as a defensive-minded, blue-collar player.

Dillon Brooks

A hard-nosed, 30-year-old guard/forward with the Phoenix Suns, who Ingram has been compared to in terms of his playing style.

Ryan Oliver

The Spurs' assistant video coordinator, who has been instrumental in Ingram's development after working with him extensively last summer.

Jacob Chance

The head coach of the Austin Spurs, the Spurs' G League affiliate, where Ingram has been playing.

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What they’re saying

“It's rebound, space the floor, off-ball impact, and it's being, I wouldn't say a dirty player, but like a Dillon Brooks sort of player.”

— Harrison Ingram, Spurs two-way wing (expressnews.com)

“He's really accepted and embraced his role, and that can be hard to do in terms of being a defender, a physical role player, playing off the ball, trying to always continue to extend or create more possessions, rebound, knock down open shots, get out and run in transition. Then we want him to be a premier defender and be able to rebound, and that's just something he's really embraced.”

— Mitch Johnson, Spurs head coach (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The Spurs will continue to monitor Ingram's development in the G League, with the goal of eventually bringing him up to the NBA roster and integrating him into the team's rotation.

The takeaway

Ingram's willingness to embrace a role-player mentality and focus on defense, rebounding, and off-ball impact aligns with the Spurs' team-first approach to player development. His growth in the G League showcases the organization's commitment to nurturing young talent and building a well-rounded roster.