2023 NBA Mock Draft 8.0: Spurs win Wembanyama sweepstakes

The Pistons were the big losers on lottery night, dropping from No. 1 to No. 5 — the kind of misfortune that can set a rebuild back. Luckily for Detroit, the top of the lottery is brimming with talent this year. Cam Whitmore is not only a decent consolation prize; he’s a potential star wing who can lead the next decade of Detroit basketball.

Whitmore’s production fluctuated at Villanova. He didn’t have the consistency of other top-5 pick candidates, but the flashes were enough to keep him locked on the Pistons’ radar. Whitmore has a rare blend of strength and explosiveness. His first step is electric and there’s significant shot-creation upside if he can refine his handles.

Jarace Walker is another name to watch here — he’d certainly align with the Pistons’ recent hyper-focus on size and strength in the post — but Whitmore’s ceiling is too appealing. He’s enough of a shooter and off-ball weapon to fit next to Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey in the short term. In the long term, he has the chance to develop into another legitimate go-to option.

At 6-foot-7, Whitmore’s tremendous strength and athleticism translate to the defensive end too. He’s capable of guarding 1-4 on paper and he has eruptive potential as an off-ball disruptor. He might take more time to click at the next level than others drafted in this range, but he’s worth the patience for Detroit.

Check out our full scouting report on Cam Whitmore.