Report: Jazz Working Out Top-10 Projected Draft Prospect
With the 2023 NBA draft only three weeks away, the Utah Jazz continue to do their due diligence on the projected top-10 lottery picks. According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports, Cam Whitmore will be working out for the Jazz after just completing a private workout with the Indiana Pacers.
Whitmore, who is only 18 years old, had an up-and-down year as a freshman at Villanova. He averaged 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest while leading the Wildcats to a 17-16 record.
Despite some inconsistencies, Whitmore was voted the Big East Freshman of the Year and is projected to be selected before No. 9 overall, when it’s Utah’s turn. Touted as possibly the most athletic prospect in the draft, Whitmore boasted a 40.5-inch vertical leap at the NBA Combine, which tied him for third in his class.
Whitmore is another player that has a skill set that complements a positionless style of basketball, which would contribute to Jazz CEO Danny Ainge’s quest for a taller and longer roster. Standing at 6-foot-7 paired with a 7-foot-3-inch wingspan, Whitmore has everything a franchise could ask for in regard to diversity on defense.
On offense, he’s able to use his size, elite athleticism, and strength to create chances for his own shot in half-court sets and finish above the rim in transition. Utah would most likely select Whitmore if he lasted until No. 9, but that may not be in the cards.
Most mocks have Whitmore being selected in the 5-7 range, which means trading up is the most likely scenario for the blue-chipper to find his way to Salt Lake City.
Could the Jazz be bringing Whitmore in because they’re contemplating a trade-up? That remains to be seen, but Ainge has enough extra draft capital in his arsenal to strong-arm his way up the board if warranted.
Jazz fans will find out soon as the NBA draft gets underway on June 22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Follow Inside The Jazz on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Jazz news videos and live-stream podcasts!
