Cam Whitmore's arrival in Washington seemed like the perfect opportunity for the Wizards to capitalize on a prospect with high potential who simply couldn't find his footing with his first team.
The Villanova product entered the league with high expectations, mainly focused around his next-level athleticism and ability to get to the rim at will.
However, through costly mistakes and off-the-court immaturity, Whitmore found himself as the odd man out with the Houston Rockets looking to contend now, rather than develop young talent that clearly needed playing time to take the next step.
As a result, the Wizards stepped up for the Maryland native, bringing him into a situation that could not only benefit him, but benefit them if he did indeed breakout.
To start the season, the forward struggled to say the least.
Between the same reoccurring issues that hindered his success in Washington, and the fact he couldn't seem to get out of his own way, the team's fanbase began to grow impatient with the prospect.
However, following head coach Brian Keefe's comments about Whitmore, it's clear that the team's coaching staff and front office see more promise than the impatient fanbase.
“He’s really acclimated well to our culture and our environment,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him as a person and, obviously, as a player. You can see the stuff that he does well: attacking the rim. You’ve seen the defensive progress guarding individual players, his ability to get in the paint and the shooting ability.”
There's no denying that Whitmore's start to the season has went through some rocky moments, especially when considering his bizarre transition decisions that have cost the team points.
Nonetheless, for a young player, growing pains are apart of the developmental process and for a team like the Wizards, getting over these issues early could prove vital for the team's long-term success.
Looking at Whitmore's recent success with extended minutes, the increased belief instilled from the coaching staff is only going to improve Whitmore's confidence.
And for a player who's grown accustomed to worrying about making the most of his minutes because they weren't guarenteed, his comfortability in his new role has become clear.
All that to say, for a fanbase who seemed quick to rule out the chance that Whitmore woukd figure it out after early struggles, give the forward a little more time before ruling out the idea the young wing will figure it out.