Post lottery Mock Draft: Spurs live the dream, Pistons add explosive wing
2023 NBA Mock Draft: Detroit Pistons fall to 5th
Villanova. Cam Whitmore. 64. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Forward. 5. player
The Pistons dropped the most in the NBA Draft Lottery, plummeting four spots to the 5th pick, the first time the team with the worst record has ever picked this low.
The good news is that there are still quality wings to choose from and it really just depends on what the Pistons want. They could go for an athletic defensive stopper like Ausar Thompson here. They could go with Jarace Walker, though he seems to have quite a lot of crossover with Isaiah Stewart, or they could surprise everyone and go with a guy like Taylor Hendricks.
Instead, they go with explosive forward Cam Whitmore, who may be the best two-way option and a guy who definitely complements Cade Cunningham on the wing.
Whitmore is one of the most explosive athletes in the draft, and would immediately give the Pistons a very athletic trio with Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren.
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At 6-foot-7, 230 lbs, Whitmore has the size and strength to defend a couple of spots and has the upside to be a defensive stopper. Fans have been clamoring for OG Anunoby for the last few seasons and Whitmore could be that type of guy in a few years.
His ceiling may be defined by his outside shooting and a good showing in NBA Combine could help alleviate some of those concerns. If he can shoot, Whitmore could be the best wing in this draft, as the guy can jump out of the gym and projects to be a plus defender.
Like Saddiq Bey, Whitmore comes from Villanova, so we know he’ll be tough, able to defend and well coached, but unlike Bey, Whitmore has elite athleticism and can be a great defender.
This isn’t the result we wanted, but the Pistons will still get a great complement to Cade and Ivey and another young talent to add to their promising core.