“I’m Here to Learn and Try to Win”: Harrison Ingram Embraces Spurs System, Eyes Standard Contract

Harrison Ingram (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Harrison Ingram’s development season with the San Antonio Spurs is closing on a high note — both in production and preparation.

The 6-foot-7 rookie, currently on a two-way contract, has emerged as a key contributor for the Austin Spurs as they head into the NBA G League playoffs. Ingram recorded 17 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals in a 130–93 win over the Memphis Hustle on Tuesday. He became the 29th player to record a triple-double in the G League this season, shooting 7 of 14 from the field as Austin clinched its first playoff berth since 2021.

“For me, it’s just about winning. It’s always about winning,” Ingram told RG. “That’s big in the Spurs program — they want to see you impact winning. Whether that’s on defense, rebounding, shooting, or passing, it’s all about that.”

Ingram followed up that performance with 18 points and seven rebounds in Austin’s regular-season finale, a 129–107 win over the Texas Legends. The Spurs shot 48% from the field and 43.2% from 3-point range while holding a 54–43 rebounding advantage.

Through 47 games with Austin, Ingram averaged 12.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals in 32.8 minutes per game.

The Dallas native, a former McDonald’s All-American and five-star recruit from St. Mark’s School, played two seasons at Stanford before transferring to North Carolina. He helped the Tar Heels reach the Sweet 16 in 2024 before declaring for the NBA Draft. The Spurs selected him with the No. 48 overall pick, and he signed a two-way contract in July.

“My main benefit is just learning how to play the game of basketball,” Ingram said.

“I mean, it’s a way different game — G League, NBA, college — and, you know, they’re great at teaching. You see, you know, there’s a lot of people who have been through this program and come down to the G League den. You’ve seen Derrick White, Dejonte Murray, I mean, Tre Jones. A lot of people come down and form successful careers. So for me, I’m just here to learn to try to win.”

Ingram also has a personal goal in mind as he continues to develop.

“I’m trying to get a standard contract,” Ingram told RG. “That’s the goal.”

Veteran Mentorship and NBA Aspirations

Ingram’s role with Austin has pushed him to adapt his game, particularly in learning how to contribute without the ball in his hands.

“Really just learning the game, playing without the ball,” Ingram told RG. “I’ve always been the guy, I had the ball in my hands. Even at Carolina, I started playing off the ball a little bit more. But you know, in this game, you get to the main level, you’re not the main guy. You gotta be able to cut, know when to cut, know how to screen — little things like that. I never really was a screener and I feel like I’ve gotten really good at screening and cutting and at pin elbow, score without dribbling.”

The Spurs’ veteran group has been a consistent resource for Ingram during his rookie season, including Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Julian Champagnie and Chris Paul.

As the Austin Spurs begin postseason play, Ingram’s mindset is locked in on consistency and doing whatever it takes to win.

“For us, it’s just about winning and staying together,” Ingram told RG. “You know, playoffs — it’s one game and out. It’s like March Madness. Anything can happen. For the — really, the defensive end, you know, locking on defensive end. Whether I’m shooting well, someone else shooting well — you know, find the hot hand and play defense.”

Ingram credits his preparation in Dallas as a key reason he’s been able to adapt quickly to the professional level.

“When you ask me, it’s the mecca,” Ingram said. “Especially the year before me, year after me, my year in the middle — we were all loaded with talent. Dallas basketball is just different.”

Now, that foundation is carrying over into a playoff opportunity — and potentially a path to a standard NBA deal.