An sudden slide in the 2023 NBA draft for former Villanova standout Cam Whitmore bewildered numerous NBA admirers and pundits on Thursday as numerous questioned why teams handed on the talented ahead.
A commonly projected prime-10 choose coming into the night, Whitmore uncomfortably sat in the inexperienced space until finally late in the first spherical when he was chosen by the Rockets with the 20th all round select. Nevertheless, regardless of Whitmore turning into a very first-rounder, concerns still persisted on social media about why he dipped on draft boards.
In accordance to several reviews, health-related issues and a handful of lackluster pre-draft exercises and interviews played key roles in Whitmore’s slide. As a freshman in 2022, the 18-calendar year-aged notably skipped his to start with seven online games with a thumb injuries just before returning in December and heading on to win Big East Rookie of the Yr after averaging 12.5 points.
Although his journey to the NBA could not have been ideal, the evening nonetheless led to Whitmore accomplishing a massive aim and hearing his title known as, significantly to the delight of his supporters. Not to point out, there were also a several other people who had a concept to the NBA entrance offices who have any doubts about the promising 6-foot-7 wing probable:
Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, two Top-10, some may possibly say Best-5 potential customers, and Houston did not have to trade a solitary select.
The Houston Rockets have received this draft so much.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) June 23, 2023
BREAKING: Rockets draft Cam Whitmore No. 20 General.
Complete STEAL. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/moDDAsejPe
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 23, 2023
OH MY GOD HOW IS THIS Serious Lifestyle AMEN THOMPSON AND CAM WHITMORE IN THE Identical DRAFT WTFFFFFFFFF
— RedNinetyFour (@RedNinetyFour) June 23, 2023
Cam Whitmore waiting to listen to his title be named at the NBA Draft like… pic.twitter.com/IxZ0Upw53i
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 23, 2023
THE ROCKETS Received. CAM WHITMORE IS A HOUSTON ROCKET!🚀🚀
Incredible. The draft occasion at Write-up Houston erupted into a roar below. Substantial acceptance & this is an complete steal!! Wow #Rockets WHAT A DRAFT BY STONE. @HoustonRockets pic.twitter.com/5ZXdS8FOfe— Maanav Gupta (@MGSportsTalk) June 23, 2023
With the 20th decide of the 2023 Draft the Houston Rockets select Villanova's Cam Whitmore
Whitmore gets to be the 8th Villanova player picked in the 1st Round in the past 20 a long time, becoming a member of:
Kyle Lowry
Josh Hart
Donte DiVincenzo
Mikal BridgesOverlooked? Practically nothing new for a Wildcat pic.twitter.com/GtdX2djTxA
— Ryan Cassidy (@ryancassidycbb) June 23, 2023
Drafting Amen Thompson at #4 & by some means snagging Cam Whitmore at #20 (who they experienced tracked as substantial as #4) has to make the Houston Rockets tonights draft winners. Complete homerun in every sense of the phrase.
Hyped for my men @BradeauxNBA & @BiasedHouston
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) June 23, 2023
Official: Cam Whitmore is a Houston Rocket
Cam’s astonishing drop down draft boards was a surprise to lots of, but he will not permit that hold him back from reaching his entire possible. Cam is going to make a large amount of people look foolish, and is the major draft steal in very some time. pic.twitter.com/LpTCqyG3es
— Tommy Godin (@tommygodinjr) June 23, 2023
