An unexpected slide in the 2023 NBA draft for former Villanova standout Cam Whitmore confused many NBA fans and pundits on Thursday as many wondered why teams passed on the talented forward.
A widely projected top-10 pick entering the night, Whitmore uncomfortably sat in the green room until late in the first round when he was selected by the Rockets with the 20th overall pick. Still, despite Whitmore becoming a first-rounder, questions persisted on social media about why he dipped on draft boards.
According to multiple reports, medical concerns and a few lackluster pre-draft workouts and interviews played key roles in Whitmore’s slide. As a freshman in 2022, the 18-year-old notably missed his first seven games with a thumb injury before returning in December and going on to win Big East Freshman of the Year after averaging 12.5 points.
