2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks go defense, Pistons surprise at 5

6. Orland Magic draft Cam Whitmore

Whitmore will be a top-ten pick on draft night because of his potential. The 6’7 wing checks in at 232 pounds, and he could be the two-way force that every team desires. The 18-year-old is a plus athlete with defensive versatility that is one of the youngest players in this class. He does not turn 19 until July.

The two biggest question marks are his shooting and playmaking. Whitmore shot 34.3 percent from 3-point range during his lone season at Villanova, but it was 37.3 percent over his final 20 games. Scouts are intrigued by his improvement, but they still question if it is real. The 6’7 wing averaged just 0.7 assists per game last season, and he consistently missed reads. Can he improve his playmaking and jumper enough to reach his immense ceiling?

Cam Whitmore is an explosive athlete that is going to make highlight-reel plays in the NBA. His seven-foot wingspan gives him immense defensive potential too. Can the Magic unlock him and have another key piece of their rebuild?

Putting Whitmore at the two gives Orlando a scary young lineup that should only get better. Playing him next to Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero gives the Magic length and versatility to take on any matchup, and they could become one of the most feared trios in the league if all three reach their ceiling.