NBA Draft 2023: Cam Whitmore Better Fit For Rockets?
HOUSTON — Cam Whitmore's name doesn't hold the same weight as the projected top three prospects entering the 2023 NBA Draft. But Whitmore is an example as to why Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone is confident in the team's ability to add another promising player with the No. 4 pick.
"I love basketball," Whitmore said following his pre-draft workout with the Indiana Pacers. "The dream is here. Now it is up to me to put my head down and keep working — this is just the beginning."
Mock drafts have Whitmore as a high lottery pick who can land with the Rockets over Overtime Elite prospect Amen Thompson. The acquisition of Thompson would help enhance the Rockets' guard play. But Whitmore would make for a better plug and play fit.
During his lone season at Villanova, Whitmore possessed the skills that can help enhance Houston's play at small forward.
He is a physical wingman who excels in transition due to his athleticism. Whitmore's arrival would help improve the Rockets' pace in 2024. They finished the 2022-23 season ranked 14th in pace averaging 99.7. And due to the new mentality coach Ime Udoka will bring, Whitmore's defensive versatility can help improve the Rockets' defense.
Whitmore is a three-level scorer but the inconsistency in his shooting is the biggest knock against his draft stock. The 18-year-old prospect is not oblivious to his shooting struggles and has spent the entire off-season improving his 3-point shot and on-court decision-making.
"I just want to knock my shots down," Whitmore said. "I want to let these teams know that I am a consistent shooter. If I can knock my shot down consistently, it will be comfortable for me and the coaches."
Whitmore averaged 12.5 points on 47.8 percent shooting from the field, 34.3 percent shooting from behind the arc. In the 26 games he played for the Villanova Wildcats, Whitmore added 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.
He compared his play to several forwards who have thrived on an NBA level. But Whitmore said his most significant player comparison is Charlotte Hornets' Miles Bridges.
The Rockets had an interest in Whitmore at the NBA Combine and scheduled an interview. At the time, Whitmore had an idea of his potential fit playing alongside Houston's starting backcourt of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr.
"They’re athletic type of guards who can score offensively and get guys involved, Whitmore said. "I think it's a great fit with athletic type of young guys who can get the job done on both ends of the floor."
By landing the fourth overall selection, the Rockets will miss out on the chance to draft Victor Wembanyama. And the likely hood of Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller falling to the No. 4 pick is slim.
The Rockets already have several foundational pieces to build around within the coming years, and the acquisition of Whitmore would make for a solid consolation prize in Houston.
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
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