Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore was voted the biggest steal of the 2023 NBA draft in the annual survey of general managers released on Tuesday.
The 30 executives voted on a total of 50 questions, including three regarding the rookie class. They voted on several categories, from the Most Valuable Player to the Sixth Man of the Year, and could not choose their own players or team personnel.
Whitmore debuted with the Rockets in the NBA Summer League. He was named MVP of the event after averaging 19.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 steals and two assists in six games. He produced three 20-point games, including a summer league-high 26 points on July 13.
Which rookie was the biggest steal where he was selected in the draft?
- 1. Cam Whitmore (20), Houston – 43%
- T-2. Keyonte George (16), Utah – 10%
- T-2. Scoot Henderson (3), Portland – 10%
- T-2. Jaime Jaquez Jr. (18), Miami – 10%
- 5. Brandin Podziemski (19), Golden State – 7%
Whitmore and the Rockets tipped off the preseason on Tuesday. He produced 15 points, four rebounds and one steal in a 122-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers. He went 6-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range, in 17 minutes off the bench.
Falling to the Rockets at No. 20 was viewed as perhaps the biggest surprise of the draft. The top decision-makers in the NBA certainly recognized that in their survey responses and believe Whitmore should be among the top rookies this year.
Note: Percentages are based on the pool of respondents, rather than all 30 GMs.
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