NBA Draft: The Best Landing Spots for Villanova’s Cam Whitmore
At 6-foot-7 with innate athleticism, Villanova’s Cam Whitmore isn’t without talent, but he might be without a perfect landing spot in the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft.
Whitmore is certainly an upside swing. In one of the more star-restrictive system’s in the country, he averaged 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and just 0.7 assists per game. But showed tantalizing ability to create his own shot, which, when paired with his powerful athleticism, makes him an intuiting wing selection.
He’s not the most comfortable shooter just yet — 34 percent on 4.2 attempts per game — but has tremendous upside should he unlock that area.
Suffice to say, to reach his full potential, he’s going to need a team that can offer some on-ball reps while also maximizing his off-ball potential as a cutter, lob-threat and shot-maker.
Teams that jump out who have lead ball-handlers but plenty of leash left to give in terms of potential are the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks.
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Alongside Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey in Detroit, Whitmore’s athleticism would be maximized via their overall gravity, as well as passing and playmaking. But with the worst record in the league last season, they are far from a finished product and could take their time to develop him as a legitimate co-star.
Indiana is a similar situation. The team feels a piece away from being a piece away, but with premier guards in Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, and other solid pieces strewn throughout, Whitmore could be a solid addition.
He wouldn’t offer much, at least early on, in terms of spacing. But his high-flying traits would pair nicely in Haliburton’s unselfish system.
Lastly is Dallas, who likely looks the murkiest on-paper, but could still offer a potential co-star next to the ever-gravitational Luka Doncic.
The team has two needs: shooting and defense. And Whitmore won’t bolster either out the gate. But in order to truly build a contending team are Doncic, the Mavericks are going to need firepower. And Whitmore, despite being a longterm project, could offer than in a strong developmental system.
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