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5 2023 NBA Draft prospects to know for the Orlando Magic’s No. 6 pick

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Gradey Dick (4) dribbles the ball against Howard Bison guard Elijah Hawkins (3) during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Gradey Dick (4) dribbles the ball against Howard Bison guard Elijah Hawkins (3) during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 04: Cam Whitmore #22 of the Villanova Wildcats reacts during the second half against the Connecticut Huskies at Wells Fargo Center on March 04, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 04: Cam Whitmore #22 of the Villanova Wildcats reacts during the second half against the Connecticut Huskies at Wells Fargo Center on March 04, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

5 NBA Draft prospects to know for the Orlando Magic’s 6th pick

Cam Whitmore, Villanova

So much of this year’s Draft class is filled with contradictions. Players who have clear positives on one hand, but something to hold them back on the other. Players with clear flaws that could hold them back but also the potential and ability to overcome them to be really successful.

Cam Whitmore does not scream superstar with how he plays or his ability. But he has all the makings of a solid player. And someone who could do a bit more when given the opportunity.

Then again, some of his shooting numbers leave plenty to be concerned with.

If there is a player who is truly in the eye of the beholder, it might be Whitmore. Still, it is clear he can contribute at some level. The question for the Orlando Magic is whether he is the right prospect for them. Especially considering their shooting needs.

Whitmore’s stats speak to this inconsistency. He averaged 12.5 points per game with 5.3 rebounds per game. He shot 47.8 percent overall (on just 9.8 field goal attempts per game) with a 34.3-percent field goal percentage from deep and 70.3 percent from the foul line.

Whitmore suffered a thumb injury that kept him out of the lineup until December. That might explain some of his shooting numbers. It is also worth noting Whitmore was one of the best shooters in catch-and-shoot situations, making more than 40 percent of these shots.

Thus the inconsistency in trying to evaluate him. What do you believe with him? His free throw percentage is the most concerning piece of his puzzle as that is usually the better indicator of a player’s future 3-point production.

Then again, every team could use a surplus of creative forwards on the perimeter. Whitmore can certainly do that.

What should stand out first and foremost about Whitmore is his size. Whitmore measured at the Combine at 6-foot-5.75 and 235 pounds. He is a big and strong player, able to take hits on drives to the basket. On top of this, he posted the fourth-best mark in the max vertical leap.

Whitmore’s selling points then are his physicality and defensive potential and his athleticism to finish at the basket. Think of a more offensively gifted Luguentz Dort.