Cam Whitmore
SF, Villanova · 2023 NBA Draft, 1st round, pick #20 (HOU)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: pre-draft rankings. Details below.
The 2023 class is only 3 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #6 overall (#2 at his position), but he lasted until pick #20: teams let him slide 14 spots past that ranking.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 68.6% of the time (194 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
19.0 years old on draft night (born 2004-07-08).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.7% of the time (300 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Path to the draft
Played college basketball at Villanova.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53.2% of the time (1,015 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
SF (ESPN draft listing).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.2% of the time (570 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 121 games over 4 NBA seasons (~37% of a full 82-game schedule each year).
Every line comes from data: Basketball-Reference career data; ESPN's draft profile; Wikidata birth dates. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Seasons | 4 |
| Games | 121 |
| Minutes / game | 17.3 |
| Points / game | 10.4 |
| Rebounds / game | 3.3 |
| Assists / game | 0.8 |
| Win Shares (career) | 3.3 |
| VORP | 0.8 |
| Box Plus/Minus | -0.4 |
| 2026-27 so far | 1 GP, 4 PPG (ESPN) |
Career Win Shares + VORP (Basketball-Reference, through 2025-26) + 2026-27 estimates from ESPN season stats.
The 2023 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2023 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Slid 10+ picks past ESPN's rank | 68.6% n=194 | |
| Age Under 20 | 51.7% n=300 | |
| Path to the draft US college | 53.2% n=1,015 | |
| Position Forward | 51.2% n=570 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 7", 232 lbs |
| Age on draft night | 19.0 |
| Born | 2004-07-08 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #6 overall (#2 SF) |
Picked around him 2023 redraft
| 17 | Jalen Hood-Schifino | redraft #54 |
| 18 | Jaime Jaquez Jr. | redraft #7 |
| 19 | Brandin Podziemski | redraft #4 |
| 21 | Noah Clowney | redraft #26 |
| 22 | Dariq Whitehead | redraft #47 |
| 23 | Kris Murray | redraft #20 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 15+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.