Nuggets Coach David Adelman Praises Cam Whitmore’s Early Impact

Ahead of training camp, the Denver Nuggets signed guard Cam Whitmore to the roster on a one-year two-way deal. Whitmore, 22, was drafted in 2023 by the Houston Rockets and has since bounced around the NBA. With the Nuggets' lack of depth in the backcourt, this gives Whitmore a chance to have a serious role in the NBA. 

In Denver's recent preseason matchup against the Utah Jazz, Whitmore played 15 minutes and scored 14 points. After the game, Nuggets head coach David Adelman praised him for how he's looked so far in camp and is excited about the kind of player he could become. 

"The kid is extremely talented...His attitude has been really good throughout," Adelman said. "It's not just the athleticism. He can really play basketball. We're excited about the growth."

Whitmore has had his ups and downs in the NBA, but what gives him upside is his athleticism. If he can put it all together as a player, not only will he find himself playing meaningful minutes for Denver, but he will thrive because of the natural skills he already possesses. 

Cam Whitmore has also suffered multiple injuries during his time in the league, which has contributed to him consistently looking for a new home. A blood clot kept him out for much of last season, but now he's healthy and ready to contribute. 

One element that could really help him excel in Denver is the veteran presence the team has around him. Much of this roster has championship pedigree from 2023, and they know what it takes to reach the top. 

Whitmore is a ball-dominant young guard with a lot of potential, and maybe an experienced locker room and mentorship are what he needs to stick around and have a lengthy NBA career. 

Jamal Murray and Christian Braun are two members of the backcourt who were part of the Nuggets' 2023 championship run, and this season, they brought in veteran forward DeMar DeRozan to help bring them back to that standard. 

The feeling surrounding the Denver Nuggets as a whole is that this is a team that has a chip on its shoulder and is bringing in a young guard who has bounced around the NBA and could benefit them more than some think. 

A new attitude for Cam Whitmore, surrounded by experience, could help him get back on his feet in the NBA, and if the Nuggets can maximize his potential, they could have a productive second unit.