'He Is So Locked In': NBA Skills Trainer Aaron Miller On Rockets Rookie Cam Whitmore
NBA/Pro skills trainer Aaron Miller went onto the Locked on Rockets podcast on Thursday, discussing Houston Rockets' 20th overall pick, small forward Cam Whitmore's dedication to the game of basketball.
"[Cam] is so locked in and he is so competitive, he'll figure out who's working out at what time for me the following day and he'll want to come an hour early," Miller said. "He wants to know how many shots that player put up and he wants to do more".
Whitmore was among the hottest talking points of the 2023 NBA Draft as he was expected to be a top-10 selection or even a top-five selection. However, he fell in the draft ultimately due to medical concerns.
Whitmore averaged 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals on 47.8 percent shooting from the field in his one year at Villanova. The nearly 19-year-old (July 8) earned Big East Rookie of the Year honors for his efforts.
"With a strong frame and body that’s ready for the NBA, the 6-foot-7 wing was one of the best athletes in the country last season," SI writes. "He plays with power and energy that sticks out when he’s on the floor."
Like on draft night, Whitmore hopes to stick out in the NBA, proving several teams wrong for not choosing him earlier. With that being said, Jalen Green is expected to occupy the starting shooting guard spot and either Dillon Brooks or fourth overall pick Amen Thompson will start at small forward. Whitmore is capable of playing both, but it's unlikely he starts a lot in 2023-24 unless there are injuries.
However, according to Miller, Whitmore doesn't give up easily and will fight hard to succeed in on the Rockets.
"He doesn't care how long it takes; it has to be perfect."
You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver.
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