2023 NBA Mock Draft: Detroit Pistons drop to 6th, add a big forward

Oct 4, 2022; Henderson, NV, USA; NBA G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson (0) scores a layup against Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the fourth quarter at The Dollar Loan Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports /

8 of 15

Feb 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Cam Whitmore (22) dribbles the ball against Creighton Bluejays forward Arthur Kaluma (24) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

2023 NBA Mock Draft

Cam Whitmore. 7. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Villanova. 100. Forward

I think that Indiana is one of the only teams in the top half of the lottery here that’s in a position to draft for fit, with their backcourt of Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, as well as recently extending center Myles Turner.

Whitmore would give the Pacers a strong defender to immediately plug into the wing spot.

He’s a dog on the boards and creates instant second-chance offense for his team, whether via a putback dunk or kicking the ball back out to one of his teammates.

He’ll still be 18 on draft night, possibly needing some time to ease into the professional game. Whitmore hasn’t shot the lights out from three at Villanova, but any team that gets him will expect his 3-point shooting to improve over time.