Washington Wizards Have Major Concerns Over Former First Round Pick's Work Ethic

Back in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets used the No. 20 overall pick on Cam Whitmore, and after some promising performances in Summer League, he was seen as a star of the future for the team. However, he was traded to the Washington Wizards in exchange for two second-round picks, with the team seeing the core of Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson as more important to their future.

In the deal, the Wizards get a young performer who has averaged 11 points a game early in his NBA career, and given his size, athleticism, and potential, it was a deal that made perfect sense. However, they've now got some major concerns over him, with reports now emerging that they've had some issues with the way that he's conducted himself day-to-day and his tough practice habits.

“Inside the organization, the concern has been the day-to-day work. Amid a 3–19 start to the season, Washington has emphasized establishing firm practice habits and a consistent approach across its young roster, and Whitmore has not consistently met those expectations.”

On the floor for Washington this season, Whitmore has averaged 9 points a game in 17 minutes a night, but unless he can find his work ethic off the floor, he's going to struggle to reach his potential. 

Ultimately, there's still optimism that Whitmore can turn things around, but unless he puts in the work himself, he may go down as a solid but underperforming first-round pick.