NBA Draft: Finding the perfect fit for each of the top prospects

Perfect Fit #6: Detroit Pistons and Cam Whitmore

Although the Pistons had the worst record in the NBA and some of the best lottery odds, they aren’t a slam-dunk fit for Victor Wembanyama. That’s not to say they wouldn’t take him; there’s no doubt that they’d celebrate if they won the draft lottery. Instead, Detroit’s glut of big men makes it a harder fit than other teams in the NBA draft.

The team already has a promising big man in Jalen Duren who looks like a lock for an all-rookie team. They had Isaiah Stewart and Marvin Bagley III before him, each of whom has some warts but is also talented on the offensive end. The Pistons also traded for James Wiseman at this year’s deadline, hoping that they can help him get his career trajectory back on track.

Instead of Wemby, the best fit for the Pistons is Cam Whitmore. What the Pistons need is an athletic shot creator at the wing who can play defense and his shots from deep. Although he still has to develop to reach his ceiling, Whitmore has the athletic profile and burgeoning offensive game to one day check every one of those boxes:

Whitmore would have the patience of a franchise that isn’t looking to contend soon, which will let him experiment with his game even more. Playing next to players like Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham will also give him more open shots from deep and easy transition opportunities, which will let him play to his strengths while developing his game.