Punished, Cam Whitmore “must meet the standards and expectations” of the Wizards

His arrival in Wizards in July It was a good job, after all Cam Whitmore is a player full of talent and still very young (21 years old), despite two seasons of experience in his legs. First of all, he seemed to land in a a place suitable for a single explosionbesides that his return home For now, it is not happening as imagined.

Statistically, the winger is already consistent in two years in Houston, averaging 9.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 17 minutes, shooting 46% (including 29% on 3-pointers) and 74% on free throws. On the other hand, obviously not everything is to the taste of his coach as far as his attitude is concerned, especially his efforts on the field.

« We have certain standards in the team and he has to live up to them, and even surpass them, to have a chance here » indicated Brian Keefe. « But it will be up to him when the time comes and he has to live up to those standards and those expectations that we have of him as a team. »

Gaps that cost him dearly

Accordingly, on Saturday night, and to wake up his player or make him gain professionalism, the coach Washington decided to give Cam Whitmore his first “DNP” of the season against Atlanta. Justin Champagnie, Will Riley and even Jamir Watkins who passed him in the rotation.

We know that the capital franchise intends to play hard against the competition this season. Even more so in his 2/3 positions, which are very well stocked. So there’s no question of allowing the lapses in behavior to continue long-term as we’ve seen the 2023 No. 20 pick on several occasions care too little about defense, man and drop, or rush headlong into offense without trying to play with his teammates (0.7 assists avg…).

Of course, Cam Whitmore isn’t the only one to blame for the Wizards’ disastrous start (3 wins-19 losses), but Brian Keefe and his leaders have ” certain standards » that are important to them and it is important that the players respect them. Especially in the middle of the reconstruction period.

« He hasn’t had many opportunities with the Rockets, for a variety of reasons, but he already knows he’ll have to earn them here » first warned Will Dawkinsgeneral manager of Washington, in October. ” I don’t know when it will happen, but he is excited. He is powerful, explosive and dynamic. He can weigh in on both sides of the pitch. We need to help him be more consistent. »

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.