Even though he doesn’t compare to the very top prospects in the 2023 NBA Draft, Villanova’s Cam Whitmore can be a difference-maker at the next level. The former five-star recruit was slowed down a bit by a thumb injury causing him to miss seven games during his lone season with the Wildcats.
But once Whitmore got healthy, he’d quickly stand out, winning Big East Conference Men’s Basketball Freshman of the Year honors. This was enough for Whitmore to go pro after just one season.
Now Whitmore’s viewed as one of the top wing prospects in the draft class. A player who can bully his way into the paint, while defending multiple positions. But Whitmore isn’t fully polished just yet, and it’s clear the 18-year-old still has plenty of room for growth. Below we’ll dive into his strengths and weaknesses while diving into the best draft fits for Whitmore.
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Cam Whitmore measurables
- Height: 6-foot-7
- Wingspan: 6-foot-8
- Weight: 232 pounds
Cam Whitmore scouting report
- Positives: Impact defender at multiple positions. Has remarkable strength which helps him in the paint on both ends of the floor. Plus rebounder, good inside scorer. Impressive athleticism, especially for his frame. Can hit the three, but won’t become a volume shooter from distance. Tons of upside.
- Negatives: Needs to continue improving his shot, expanding his offensive game. Could become more consistent, both all around and with his motor. Poor passer, didn’t get to the free throw line as much as you’d like for his tendency to drive the lane.
Related: NBA mock draft 2023: Projecting all 58 picks
Best fits for Cam Whitmore in 2023 NBA Draft
Several teams could use a player like Whitmore. An athlete who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact, can win on the glass, and could still develop into a reliable scorer from all three levels like Whitmore will be in demand on draft day. Here are a few ideal NBA fits for the former Villanova star.
- Cam Whitmore stats (2022-23): 12.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 47% FG, 34% 3PT
Detroit Pistons (5th pick)
The Pistons have their long-term backcourt figured out with Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. The frontcourt is shaping up nicely too, with several young bodies capable of soaking up minutes. But the Pistons could still use a young wing who better fits their competitive timeline.
Whitmore can bring multiple aspects Detroit could use to their lineup. Of course, his scoring punch will be welcomed, but he’s also not one who will need a lot of touches to show what he can do. The Pistons will take his ability to grow into his role as a defender who can score in bunches when needed, while also helping complement his teammates by doing work on the glass.
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Orlando Magic (6th pick)
Franz Wagner, and Paolo Banchero are franchise cornerstones, but perhaps Whitmore could also make some Magic in Orlando. It’s clear he wouldn’t be asked to shoulder the scoring load right away, allowing the young athlete to settle into a defensive role that can help him focus on the finer details of basketball before taking on too much.
But Whitmore could be the missing piece in a lineup that has a lead distributor (Cole Anthony), a top scorer (Banchero), and plenty of other young pieces ready to take a step forward. For now, Whitmore can make his presence known living above the rim, tiring out opponents with his strength and hopefully, a desire to commit to defense will come.
Indiana Pacers (7th pick)
Another team who has a talented distributor and an eventual knockdown scoring threat is the Indiana Pacers, with Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and they even have a big who can space the floor with Myles Turner. What the Pacers could use more of are wings who can both defend multiple positions and make an impact in the scoring column when called upon.
That’s exactly what Whitmore can provide, defensive versatility with the potential to become a secondary scorer on a team that may need one in due time. Sure, he’s raw and needs refinement, but we could be talking about Whitmore becoming the team’s second or third-best player in the near future. With a core built around Haliburton, Mathurin, and Whitmore, the Pacers could take that next step toward contention.