The Rockets Just Got The Steal Of The Draft
Updated: Jun 27, 2023
With the 20th pick, the Houston Rockets selected Cam Whitmore out of Villanova. Whitmore was an elite scorer at Villanova, and I fully expect that to translate to his NBA game. The new Rocket is an impressive 6'7 and weighs 243 pounds, making him an absolute defensive nightmare for any team guarding him. His incredible speed allows him to blow by more enormous wings, and due to his insane size and strength, point guards will not be able to hang with him in the paint.
Not to mention, Whitmore possesses an elite three-point shot and great handles. He can quickly drive down the court and create fast breaks for himself and his team. He also has an apartment above the rim, where he frequently catches lobs and slams them home. This man possesses all the traits you could want to be an elite NBA scorer, and the Rockets just got him at the 20th pick.
If Whitmore Is So Good, Why Did He Fall So Far?
Well, there may be a few reasons. The most glaring, and the reason multiple experts expected him to be outside of the top ten, was due to a thumb injury that Whitmore had. Injuries to fingers can tend to linger. It would be best if you had your fingers worked in a game where your hands are essential.
He also might've fallen due to a lack of passing and play-making abilities. While he can take the ball himself, he sometimes has trouble finding open guys and making passes. However, I expect this to be fine. With the Rockets loaded at the guard position, it's doubtful he'll ever have to handle the ball that much. It is also a skill that can easily be worked on.
What Does This Mean For The Rockets?
This means that the Rockets must improve their insane young core even more. With Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr, Alperen Sengun, the 4th overall pick Amen Thompson, and now Whitmore, you can form a lethal squad with this roster. Not to mention Kevin Porter Jr and other companies off the bench. The only issue I could see would be veteran leadership, but signing Draymond Green or another established vet could seriously remedy that with new head coach Ime Udoka.
Expect this team to be something other than immediate playoff contenders because they won't be, but expect them to ramp up quickly. If the Rockets manage to keep this team together and have money to go around, it could be over for the league. The potential for this roster is limitless, and you now have a player who I projected to be the sixth-best player in the draft on your team; it gets scary.
Whitmore's play style allows him to translate easily to the NBA, and with a team with young ball handlers, he is a dream pickup. I have yet to mention the more than likely new point guard, Amen Thompson. The fourth overall pick will benefit immensely from having another elite and safe scoring option, something that Jalen Green and Jabari Smith have yet to prove they can be.
Whitmore Was A Massive Steal
I and many other analysts/writers had Whitmore being a top-seven talent. Getting him at 20 is a steal of the ages. With his size, strength, and consistent shooting, not to mention he is only 18 years old, his ceiling can still grow. It is, without a doubt, the best pick of the draft, and with all the young talent the Rockets now have, it was also the perfect fit for them.
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