2023 NBA Mock Draft: Spurs land franchise PG, tanking pays off for Pistons

Cam Whitmore will be an interesting case study for how NBA teams value what is versus what can be. While someone like Brandon Miller, for example, is defined by his production and consistency across his season, Whitmore is much more defined by the incredibly high-level flashes of talent he’s displayed that represents what "could be" if he becomes more consistent over time.

Whitmore is the semi-truck of the draft, who I consider to be the best all-around athlete in the class. He easily brushes off contact on drives, is an explosive leaper off two feet, has a quick first step that will be effective against most defenders, and slides his feet well on defense when engaged. Given his size, he has the potential to be an isolation-scoring threat on offense while guarding up a lineup on defense.

Whitmore’s ceiling is undeniably high—so much so that I think he could go as early as #3 overall in the draft if there’s a team that strongly believes in his upside. He’ll need to develop as a playmaker and as a scorer in the midrange, but if he puts it all together, you’re looking at a star-level two-way wing.