2023 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Pistons face difficult choice at No. 2

The Spurs suddenly have extreme depth on the wing, toggling between Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and Whitmore. That’s a good problem to have, of course. All four can defend, all four can score in various ways, and all four project as useful contributors long-term as San Antonio continues to build.

Whitmore is an absurd athlete. His explosive first step and pogo-stick leaping ability will have NBA scouts seeing stardom. His production has been up and down at Villanova, but Whitmore has managed to influence every aspect of the game for the Wildcats.

On the offensive end, Whitmore is always in the paint. His blend of speed and strength driving the lane is hard to match. Off the ball, he’s a willing cutter and top-notch transition threat who plays comfortably above the rim. If he can polish his handles and get more consistent shooting off the bounce, Whitmore could very well be San Antonio’s best player.

There’s just as much to be excited about with Whitmore on the defensive end. He’s 6-foot-7 with 232 pounds of solid muscle and balletic feet. He glides over screens and feverishly shuts down ball-handlers at the point of attack. Let him roam off the ball, and he’s liable to sneak over and send shots into the crowd. He’s a two-way highlight machine and quite the value pick at No. 6.