Cam Whitmore is coming dwelling — and he would possibly simply be Washington’s subsequent breakout star.
The Wizards are buying the explosive ahead from the Houston Rockets in trade for 2 second-round picks, sources advised ESPN. For a rebuilding staff ravenous for upside, Whitmore offers D.C. followers an actual motive to look at.
The twentieth general choose within the 2023 draft, Whitmore turns 21 on July 8 and can rejoice it by touchdown within the DMV space, the place he grew up. That familiarity, plus a possible runway for minutes, might be the recipe for a leap.
Whitmore confirmed flashes in Houston regardless of restricted alternative. He averaged 10.8 factors per sport over two seasons and ranked fourth within the NBA final yr with 0.46 factors per contact amongst gamers with at the very least 1,000 touches. Briefly, when he will get the ball, he makes one thing occur.
D.C. wants that. Badly. Solely two second-round picks for Whitmore is good. Their new sixth man, presumably?
The Wizards have leaned into their rebuild, however exterior of the Core 4 (Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, AJ Johnson and Bilal Coulibaly), additionally sixth general choose Tre Johnson, there’s not a lot long-term depth. Whitmore is a high-flyer with shot creation potential, and with little stress to win now, head coach Brian Keefe can hand him the keys to a bigger function.
Plus, the Rockets didn’t deal him frivolously. Houston labored with Whitmore and his company, WME Basketball, over the previous few weeks to seek out the suitable touchdown spot. Washington checks the bins — minutes, growth focus, and proximity to dwelling.
For the Wizards, it’s the traditional low-risk, high-reward play. For Whitmore, it’s a contemporary begin with the highlight all on the youth; the vets are almost definitely buyout candidates.
He’s been ready to shine. Now he’s received the stage.
