Detroit Pistons NBA draft debate: Cam Whitmore’s big red flag vs. upside and fit

The NBA draft is almost here. The Detroit Pistons on Thursday are scheduled to select fifth overall at Barclays Center in New York, looking to add a significant piece to their young core. And there are a variety of prospects they could choose from.

The draft features three clear top prospects in Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller, each of whom will almost certainly be gone by the time the Pistons pick. The uncertainty starts with the Houston Rockets at No. 4 (though any trades or surprise picks would throw another wrench into predicting who the Pistons will select).

There’s still a tier of players who appear likely to be among the choices at No. 5, however; let’s explore those options with three questions about each. First up: Villanova freshman Cam Whitmore.

SHAWN WINDSOR: Pistons’ Tom Gores betting big that he has the right man at the right time

Meet Cam Whitmore

Vitals: 6 feet 7, 235 pounds.

2022-23 averages: 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 0.7 assists, 1.6 turnovers, 47.8% shooting, 34.3% from 3 (on 4.2 attempts).

Is he the best fit for the Pistons?

Here’s a few of the offensive skills the Pistons could really use at small forward — strong outside shooting and interior finishing, active cutting, the ability to isolate and create after plays break down and secondary playmaking to take the load off of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.

From that standpoint, Whitmore might check more boxes than any other player likely available. He knocked down 40% of his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, and still managed to shoot 34.3% from 3 overall while mixing in stepback and pull-up attempts. He’s also a powerful athlete, capable of plowing through defenders and rising above them. During his lone season at Villanova, he showed off a solid handle and quick first step as well as good body control in the air while also being an instinctive cutter.

It’s easy to see Whitmore thriving next to Cunningham and Ivey, given the attention they attract and his ability to wreak havoc in open space. He also has the size and frame to be a skilled defender; he averaged 1.4 steals a game last season. But he struggled with passing the ball, and that’s the primary reason he’s in Detroit’s draft range and not a lock for the top four. It’s also why his fit in Detroit falls short of perfect.

PISTONS MAILBAG: Who stands out at No. 5 pick, win/loss expectations for 2023-24

How big of a red flag is his playmaking?

Whitmore had twice as many turnovers per game (1.6) as assists (0.7). It’s a fairly big red flag, given that playmaking is one of the key abilities that separates the NBA’s top tier from the role players. He could become a well-rounded contributor even if he never develops out of his tunnel vision, but it would cap his ceiling and make him significantly easier to defend.

There’s hope for him, though. Villanova was in a transitional season with Kyle Neptune taking over from Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright, and finished with their lowest win total (17) since 2011-12. As a team, they had one of the lowest assist rates in the country. Whitmore didn’t help that, looking for his own shot frequently. As one of the youngest players in the draft, there’s time for him to develop his instincts.

How high is his ceiling?

Whitmore’s physical profile and high-flying approach recalls 2020 No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards at times. Whitmore is a little bigger and may not jump quite as high, but there are similarities in how they simply barge right through defenders on their way to the rim. As Edwards was, Whitmore will still be 18 on draft night.

The similarities end there, though, as Edwards, a guard, was the superior passer in college while Whitmore, a wing, is further along as a shooter. But Whitmore’s athleticism and defensive tools makes him one of the highest-upside players in the draft. Even without growing as a passer, Whitmore’s outside shooting and physicality would translate well in Detroit — particularly if he can hold his own defensively as well. The Pistons can afford to be patient and let his playmaking come along.

ON THE SIDELINES: Pistons’ Monty Williams breaks down staff: Suns holdovers, several coaches’ sons