The Rockets loaded up on potential-packed players in this year’s draft, selecting Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore in the first round.
Whitmore spent one season at Villanova before turning pro. He averaged 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game en route to being named Big East Freshman of the Year.
After a somewhat pedestrian performance in his Summer League debut, Whitmore showed the world what he’s truly capable of by dropping 21 points in an overtime win over the Pistons.
We caught up with Cam Whitmore to discuss his thoughts on the Summer League, if he felt disrespected falling to pick No. 20 and the Call of Duty Two-Minute Drill competition.
Roughly 100 NBA players participated in the Call of Duty Two-Minute Drill competition. Jaylin Williams of the Thunder emerged as the champion. He received a $10,000 prize, a championship belt and – of course – bragging rights as the best Call of Duty player in the NBA.
Call of Duty.
The Spun: How would you grade your Summer League debut?
Cam Whitmore: I would say I get too excited before playing for a different team. I think I did all right. I was very aggressive on both ends. I just have to get a better feel for the speed of the game. I think it was good to get my feet wet and get up and down the court with the new guys.
The Spun: You won’t be on this rookie journey alone in Houston. You’ll be working with Amen Thompson. Have you already developed a connection on the hardwood?
CW: I mean, to be honest, he’s a bit older and his game is much more complete. But I think we can definitely make some noise on the floor together this season.
The Spun: Were you excited when you found out you’d be able to compete in the Call of Duty Two-Minute Drill competition?
CW: When I was younger, I was really into video games. After elementary school, I’d come home and hop right on the PS4 or Xbox. I used to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare a lot. It was a part of me when I was younger.
The Spun: How do you stack up against the NBA players competing in this event?
CW: I can definitely improve on where I stack up, but I’m young and competitive so we’ll see what happens.
The Spun: What about playing video games appeals to you?
CW: For me, it’s just playing with your friends and having multiplayer games to share. I like competing with your friends and catching up on the mic with them. Of course, winning those games online is great too.
6’7 Cam Whitmore ( @_camwhitmore_ ) skillset and athleticism in his NBA Draft workout with @EBTMiller 🔥 one of the top prospects in the draft pic.twitter.com/045eE4fVPv
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) June 7, 2023
The Spun: Just about every analyst has referred to you as the steal of the NBA Draft. You said you weren’t fazed by it, but did you feel a bit disrespected that you ended up being the 20th pick?
CW: I’m human, so I definitely felt it was disrespectful at the end of the day. But I knew what relationship I had with Ime [Udoka] and the Rockets. I knew they wanted me on the roster. I found it disrespectful, but I’m so grateful to be in the NBA and be on the Houston Rockets.
The Spun: Before the draft, Brandon Miller said Paul George is his GOAT. I got to ask, who is the greatest in your mind and who’s a player you like to study?
CW: My goat is LeBron [James]. He’s the greatest all-around player ever. My ceiling though and a great player who I think I can play like is Jayson Tatum.
The Spun: The Rockets have a talented, young core in place. What are realistic expectations for this squad over the next three years?
CW: I hope we keep the same team, to be honest. I think we can be a playoff contender/Finals team in the next two-to-three years. We have scorers, defenders, veterans – we got some guys.
The Spun: What are you hoping to show before Summer League comes to a close?
CW: I think I can shoot the ball very well and I know I can get to the basket at will. I’m physical and athletic. I think I need to showcase that.
Cam Whitmore plays basketball today. pic.twitter.com/RrDv3GMimY
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) July 11, 2023
You can read more of our interviews with athletes and media stars here.