Shams: Whitmore to Wizards for 2 SRP

[80sballboy]

There's a reason we got him for two 2nds. There's also a reason you keep Middleton and McCollum as long as you can. So younger guys like Whitmore learn from professionals who understand how to win. I'm always leery of shot-jackers who are not willing to pass. I think Poole was like that two years ago and then changed his game some. I never want to go back to the Nick Young or Kelly Oubre days, though, at least KO could defend some with his incredible length. If it doesn't work, we gave up two of our 50-second-round picks. We'll probably get 2-4 more from Smart and Brogdon.

[Kanyewest]

The Suns essentially didn't want him. They preferred to have 5 2nd round picks to him given they are in the luxury tax over acquiring him. It remains to be seen if the Suns have turned a new leaf with the drafting of Maluach and Fleming. Then again, the Suns have managed their team so foolishly that they are now considering buying out Bradley Beal and having dead money on their books for years to come.

[keynote]

Can anyone think of a recent example of a wing who improved their court vision and playmaking abilities later in their career? That seems like a hard skill to acquire.

It's common for players to improve their jumpers. It's less common for players to improve their ball-handling and ability to slash; but, we watched Beal do it, so we know it's possible.

But are there examples of scoring wings who became better facilitators over time?

[Kanyewest]

Can anyone think of a recent example of a wing who improved their court vision and playmaking abilities later in their career? That seems like a hard skill to acquire.

It's common for players to improve their jumpers. It's less common for players to improve their ball-handling and ability to slash; but, we watched Beal do it, so we know it's possible.

But are there examples of scoring wings who became better facilitators over time?

It seems actually common for all nba players to improve their playmaking throughout their careers. Basically the talented players make the leap perhaps with some coaching, and the rest do not.

Jaylen Brown- negative assist to turnover ratio in college and continued in the first couple years in the league.

Kevin Durant - negative assist to turnover ratio in college and continued in the the first couple years in the league.

Jayson Tatum - negative assist to turnover ratio in college- slightly positive in his rookie season- worked his way up to 2 to 1 assist to turnover ratio this past season.

Giannis - a negative assist to turnover ratio his rookie season.

DeMarr DeRozan - negative assist to turnover ratio in college and the first few seasons in the league. Currently had a 3 to 1 assist to turnover ratio this past season and 2 to 1 assist to turnover ratio for his career.

Booker started off with a slightly positive assist to turnover ratio from college to his rookie season - now averages 7.1 assists to 2.6 turnovers per game.

[DCZards]

Can anyone think of a recent example of a wing who improved their court vision and playmaking abilities later in their career? That seems like a hard skill to acquire.

It's common for players to improve their jumpers. It's less common for players to improve their ball-handling and ability to slash; but, we watched Beal do it, so we know it's possible.

But are there examples of scoring wings who became better facilitators over time?

Cam may very well never become much of a facilitator. But, at the same time, that’s not likely to be his role or how he best impacts winning.

I think Keyshawn George will eventually become an above average facilitator as a wing. You can already see it in his skillset. At the same time, I doubt that he’ll have the dynamic scoring ability that Cam possesses.

Where I want to see Cam play well is on the defensive end. If he can play decently on that end of the court, I’m fine with what he’s already capable of doing on offense, which is be aggressive, score, and get to the basket. That’s a valuable skillset and mentality with or without being a facilitator.

[Rafael122]

Whitmore is only 21, has barely played. Why are we writing him off so quickly?

[payitforward]

...Where I want to see Cam play well is on the defensive end. If he can play decently on that end of the court...

Right -- and it's really just improvement we'd be looking for. starting with a commitment and effort.

...I’m fine with what he’s already capable of doing on offense, which is be aggressive, score, and get to the basket. That’s a valuable skillset and mentality with or without being a facilitator.

Absolutely. But "already capable of" is a bit of an overstatement at this point, as he's posted somewhat below average actual results doing it.

He's still a kid for heaven's sake! The potential is obviously there, which is what makes the trade a no-brainer! The rest is up to Cam. He'll get all the support he needs, but it's on him all the same.

[FAH1223]

Rafael Stone on Cam

Read on Twitter

[Tyrone Messby]

Whitmore is only 21, has barely played. Why are we writing him off so quickly?

No idea. And this team has a solid history of rehabilitating careers. We’re due for another Gil Arenas type blow up. Not saying Cam will reach that level, but legitimately believe he can be a 20 ppg starter here and part of the future. It’s exciting if nothing else to look forward to until he disappoints haha

[payitforward]

Nice by Rafael Stone!

As to "writing him off," who would do that? Cam turned 21 today -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAM! -- you'd have to be nuts to do that....

[tontoz]

Zach Lowe just said Whitmore's decision tree has one branch.

[Wizardspride]

Read on Twitter

?t=R8a2zzvT0a0bMFI65B1gLQ&s=19

[payitforward]

Marcin Gortat -- what a guy! One of my favorite Wizards ever....

[nate33]

Damn! This man has skills! I like that he actually practices getting off the shot quickly.

Read on Twitter

[AFM]

Watch on YouTube

[Benjammin]

Dude is built like a brick house.

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro XL using Tapatalk

[nate33]

Dude is built like a brick house.

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He has tree trunks for legs.

[AFM]

Dude is built like a brick house.

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro XL using Tapatalk

He has tree trunks for legs.

We need the WizD analysis. How are his legs compared to Kevin Seraphin's

[payitforward]

Cam should have his own player thread -- not just this trade thread. So... why'm I writing here, I wonder...?

Fine, I'll start one.