Experts gush over Rockets' draft pick
Villanova Wildcats forward Cam Whitmore (22) hangs on the rim after a dunk during the men's college basketball game between the Butler Bulldogs and Villanova Wildcats on February 14, 2023, at Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
So much for the Amen Thompson vs. Cam Whitmore debate.
At one point, both players appeared in consideration for the Houston Rockets at the No. 4 pick. And although luck didn't fall their way in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes, the Rockets were the beneficiaries of good fortune during Thursday's NBA draft—landing a pair of players one could argue were both top-five prospects in this year's class.
Houston took Thompson—Overtime Elite's highest pick ever—with the fourth overall selection, as came to be expected as the draft approached. Whitmore, a projected lottery pick, continued to slide down the draft board as a result of potential medical concerns. The Rockets certainly weren't scared off, though, and proceeded to draft the Villanova standout with the 20th pick.
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ESPN analyst Jay Bilas called the selection "an absolute steal" during the network's NBA draft broadcast.
"An elite athlete. You talk about his NBA body and his strength, just so powerful in the way he attacks the rim. ... He didn't have a continuous season because of injury, but when he's at his best, he can be a versatile defender," Bilas said. "He's an excellent cutter off the ball, but he gets steals, he can be disruptive, but just how explosive he is. When he goes to the basket, he attacks the rim like he has something against it.
"He's good in transition, and you talk about a lob threat, you throw it up there and he throws it down with both hands with his head on the rim. He has a solid shooting stroke, 35 percent from three, good in catch-and-shoot situations. I think he's going to improve his feel for the game as he gets more reps, but you don't find athletes like this all the time. I thought he was a top-five talent coming into this draft, so I think Houston got themselves a steal at No. 20."
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Connecticut coach Dan Hurley, who led the Huskies to a national title in Houston earlier this year, joined the broadcast shortly after the pick and gave his opinion on the selection. Given that Whitmore was the Big East Freshman of the Year last season, Hurley is quite familiar with the 18-year-old's talent.
Source: Chron
