Nuggets Reportedly Targeting Former Rockets First-Round Pick for Wing Depth

The Denver Nuggets have had a relatively quiet offseason this summer since they've been trying to play salary cap limbo and avoid playing the luxury tax penalty. They've signed multiple veterans to minimum deals, including forward DeMar DeRozan, and they're looking to fill their roster ahead of training camp. 

According to Marc Stein, one player who could be heading to Denver is former Houston Rockets guard Cam Whitmore. Whitmore is a former first-round pick and was drafted in 2023. He saw a lot of playing time early in his career, but has slowly fizzled out. 

Last season, he appeared in 21 games for the Washington Wizards and averaged just over 9 points per game during his time there. Now he's still a free agent, but if he signs with the Nuggets, he has a shot to make this roster. 

Denver also signed free-agent guards Alpha Diallo and Lonnie Walker IV, two players who are coming from overseas. Having three players who play the same position and are in similar situations leaves the door wide open for Whitmore to make the most of this opportunity.  

What gives Whitmore some leverage is that he's only 22 years old, and there is still a chance he could turn his career around elsewhere. His offensive ability and athleticism is what give him a lot of upside. 

Defensively, he's had his struggles in the NBA up to this point, but if he can improve those skills, the Nuggets are a team that could be a great fit for him. There are multiple guards on the roster that have not seen much playing time, and when they have, they have not been overwhelmingly productive. 

Guard Tyus Jones was brought in during the middle of the season from the Dallas Mavericks and saw the court a decent amount, but was not much of a difference-maker for the Nuggets. He averaged just 2.2 points per game and only saw around 8 minutes per game. 

Another guard that Whitmore can compete against is KJ Simpson, who only finished last season averaging 4.6 points per game in just under 13 minutes per game. 

If Whitmore has an impressive preseason and impresses the Nuggets coaching staff, he could find his way onto this roster by the end of training camp. The Nuggets will need more offensive production from the bench next season, and if they can find a way to get Cam Whitmore in the mix while still keeping their identity as a unit, this can be a good fit.