Cam Whitmore must change with his roster spot on the line

Watching Cam Whitmore his rookie year, it seemed we were witnessing a star on the rise. 

The ridiculous athleticism stood out amongst the NBA’s best. His crafty finishing abilities around the rim offered promise. And a developing jumper offered the promise of a multi-dimensional scorer. 

Two years later, though, the excitement around Whitmore’s exhilarating talents has slipped away. Now a Washington Wizard, the former Villanova star has been inefficient when on the floor, and faces a difficult recovery this season from upper-extremity deep-vein thrombosis suffered in December 2025. 

Whitmore’s NBA career could very well be on the line this season, after failing to make his mark a year ago. Can he finally make a leap, and be a part of the team’s rotation? In order to fit in, the talented prospect must shift his style of play to match an evolving roster. 

Whitmore could contribute to the team’s biggest need

Entering the season, Washington has addressed many of the struggles that contributed to a 17-65 record. But a key issue remains: the team’s lack of defensive wings. The league’s worst defense last year returns just one forward with a positive defensive plus-minus: Julian Champagnie. 

On-ball, Whitmore generally struggles to showcase consistent effort. It’s common for him to put all of his energy into an attempt to get a steal, only to get beaten badly off the dribble. However, the wing certainly has the physical tools to be able to contribute on that end of the floor. 

At 6’6 and 230 pounds, Whitmore certainly has the size to match up with top forwards. And on a nightly basis, he shows that he has the lateral quickness to compete, cutting and driving towards the baseline on offense. 

It’d be a tough ask to have Whitmore learn to become a great off-ball player. He tends to over-help, and can often get lost in traffic. But he certainly has the tools to be an aggressive on-ball defender, using his prototypical size to his advantage. 

If Whitmore can dial back his tenacity in seeking turnovers, and focus that energy into tough, physical defense, he would immediately be a key piece for Washington. Paired with wings like Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George, the team would solve a major issue, matching up multiple talented athletes on defense.  

The wing must rediscover his shooting touch

The biggest flaw in Whitmore’s game, and the factor keeping him from becoming a rotational mainstay, is his defense. But there are still definitely holes in the 22-year old’s game on offense, which he must fix to fit the new team. 

Whitmore’s athleticism makes him a force in the open court, blasting past slower-footed opponents and out-muscling smaller ones. The problem lies in his consistency as a shooter. After shooting 35.9% from three-point range his rookie year, he slipped to just 28.6% in 2025. 

Whitemore’s shooting form has changed very little since his freshman campaign. Arguably, his shot is actually smoother now than it was then, with a lower release point and less of a hitch. Instead, it seems the player simply dealt with a cold streak in his limited action last season. 

If the young player can return to his previous career marks as a shooter, defenses will be forced to respect him from range, allowing him to beat them off the dribble with his athleticism. He’ll be a multifaceted scorer, rather than a one-dimensional liability. 

This is especially important due to the current construction of Washington’s roster. The limitations of some of the team’s recent acquisitions has made three-point shooting even more vital. 

Trae Young and Anthony Davis have been inconsistent three-point shooters at best late in their careers, forced to rely on other traits. Putting Whitmore next to them could ensure that the team can stay afloat, covering for their struggles. 

Washington’s young forward has a lot of room to grow on both ends of the floor. But slight improvements could make him a desirable piece for the future. The talent is certainly there for Whitmore to have a breakout season, adding surprising depth to his playoff-hopeful team.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow