With their first selection (No. 4) in the 2023 NBA draft, the Houston Rockets brought in athleticism, playmaking and defense by picking Overtime Elite point guard Amen Thompson.
For their second choice at No. 20 in the first round, they added shooting and scoring … with a prospect some had projected to be picked ahead of Thompson just a few days earlier.
Villanova forward Cam Whitmore, who most analysts expected to go in the top five, somehow slipped to Houston at No. 20. Initial reactions suggested Whitmore may have had a medical concern.
In one season at Villanova, Whitmore averaged 12.5 points (47.8% FG, 34.3% shooting), 5.3 rebounds and 27.3 minutes. At 18 years old, he’s one of the 2023 draft’s youngest prospects.
Stay tuned to Rockets Wire for further updates throughout Thursday’s draft night, as Rockets general manager Rafael Stone will take media questions once both rounds conclude. For now, here’s a look at immediate reaction by NBA analysts and fans to the Whitmore pick.