Cam Whitmore Roster Pursuit
Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers Reportedly Target Waived Forward Cam Whitmore
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Key Points
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Portland’s interest is tied to its broader strategy of finding reclamation projects after going without a draft pick this offseason; the Trail Blazers would not need to guarantee Whitmore’s minutes and could pursue him on a minimum or two-way deal.
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Whitmore was regarded by some evaluators as a potential top-five pick in the 2023 draft before personality concerns contributed to his fall to No. 20. He also offers notable physical tools: a 6-foot-6, 230-pound frame, a 6-foot-9 wingspan and elite athleticism.
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Advanced indicators underscore the concerns surrounding Whitmore: Washington was 8.9 points per 100 possessions worse with him on the floor, and he was described as an inefficient shooter with a negative assist-to-turnover ratio.
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Denver’s financial constraints are especially severe: after re-signing Spencer Jones to a two-year, $12 million contract, the Nuggets were projected to owe a franchise-record $68 million luxury-tax penalty while still needing to fill two roster spots.
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Whitmore’s combined production across his three NBA seasons with Houston and Washington was reported as 10.5 points per game on 45% shooting from the field and 35% from three-point range in 17.3 minutes per game.
The Denver Nuggets are reportedly eyeing 22-year-old forward Cam Whitmore, a waived 2023 first-round pick who is owed $5.46 million by Cleveland SI.com. Whitmore has struggled to find his footing across three NBA seasons with Houston and Washington, averaging just 10.5 points per game on 45% shooting while dealing with a blood clot injury that cut short his time with the Wizards Space City Scoop.
A Fall From Top-Five Expectations
Whitmore entered the 2023 draft as a potential top-five pick before personality concerns dropped him to No. 20 SI.com. He carries impressive physical tools: a 6-foot-6, 230-pound frame, a 6-foot-9 wingspan, and elite athleticism Sports Yahoo. But NBA evaluators worry about his shooting efficiency, decision-making, and defensive ability, which have hampered his development in two injury-interrupted seasons.
Advanced Stats Show Real Problems on Court
The numbers paint a concerning picture. Washington was 8.9 points per 100 possessions worse with Whitmore on the floor SI.com. He shot just 45% from the field and 35% from three across his three NBA stints, averaging only 17.3 minutes per game Space City Scoop. His assist-to-turnover ratio was negative, suggesting poor decision-making with the ball.
Denver Faces Luxury-Tax Crunch but Has a Two-Way Spot
The Nuggets have 14 players on standard contracts and one available two-way spot Sports Yahoo. But adding Whitmore would bite hard into Denver's already massive tax bill. After re-signing Spencer Jones to a $12 million deal, the Nuggets face a franchise-record $68 million luxury-tax penalty SI.com. Whitmore could compete with Lonnie Walker IV for a roster opening.
Portland and Lakers Also Circling as Options
Portland is viewed as a strong fit because it needs wing depth and has flexibility to offer a minimum or two-way deal SI.com. The Trail Blazers went without a draft pick this offseason and are hunting reclamation projects SI.com. The Lakers have also shown interest, according to reports, as Whitmore hunts for an opportunity to revive his career after his shoulder injury setback.
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