No matter what people say, there are never really any guarantees when a team drafts a player. But some prospects are still more or less certain. Cam Whitmore tends to lean towards the minus, which is why it slipped to 20th position. The Rockets – with whom we announced it… in 4th position – have undoubtedly had a lot to do at this stage of the draft.
“It motivates me 150%”he assured, at a press conferenceabout its sharp drop from forecasts. “It’s just something I have to rethink. I have to move forward with a fresh outlook and a liberated mind. »
18 years old (19 on July 8), a little over 2 m and 105 kg. The numbers speak for themselves and sum up, in broad strokes, what kind of unique specimen young Cameron is. The Houston winger is fast, strong, explosive and shakes the hoops everywhere he goes: that’s what characterizes him. But that is not enough to define it.
Draft 2023: all picks and all moves
Cam Whitmore, monstre physique
Injured at the start of the year, when he was particularly expected at Villanova, Cam Whitmore has only played 26 games this season. This is what started to damage his rating, although he managed to show himself enough to impose himself, on paper, among the most intriguing prospects.
His physical and athletic qualities did not need more time to express themselves. Whitmore shocked his world, his leap and power allowing him to finish the circle with authority. His quick first step allows him to launch formidable penetrations and, of course, all these characteristics make him a solid and versatile defender.
To top it off, his shooting is improving and he’s been more than capable of picking up some rebounds. So what made this promising youngster sink on draft night?
An anticipated descent into hell
With every Mock Draft, every rumor, Cam Whitmore seemed to take it down a notch. Disappointing in workouts, his rating dropped as D-Day approached. No medical red flag has been identified: his loss of speed is strictly related to the game.
These concerns naturally added to those that emanated from his season. In difficulty when he was blocked from accessing the circle and still limited offensively, his shortcomings in understanding the game seem to have cost him dearly. The winger struggles to weigh in defense when he is away from the ball. Even more to find his teammates. Yet it is a necessity in the NBA.
Victor Wembanyama, drafted by Spurs, fulfilled his destiny
Work under the orders ofMaking Udoka should put him in a good position to solve these problems. He’s spent the last month training in Houston and has already got his bearings. He could hardly have dreamed of a better context for the sequel.
At the Rockets, an obvious fit
The Wildcats player had been linked to the Texas franchise for a long time, rather for their 4th choice than for the 20th. His physical panoply and his versatility make him a weapon of choice for a defensive coach like Udoka, within a squad that is taking shape on both sides of the field.
Offensively, its complementarity with Jabari Smith Jr, an indoor specialist in outdoor shooting, is obvious. With Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason and him in particular, the Rockets are equipped to impose a hellish physical challenge on their opponents.
“Everyone is versatile. Amen literally just got recruited. He is an excellent player, a great athlete. Someone I can definitely play with”he pointed out. ” I am really impatient. I can really bring my stone to the building. »
At this point in the draft, Cam Whitmore may be the steal of this cuvée. The winger is certainly a gamble, but the stake is small compared to Houston’s potential gains.
James Harden, the Rockets are not ready for everything…
2023-06-23 04:38:00
#Cam #Whitmore #Rockets #hold #steal #draft
