Cam Whitmore takes an electric first step toward redemption with Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have swung for the fences with their low-risk gamble on former first-round draft pick Cam Whitmore. A walking bucket with explosive athleticism, there are fair questions about why Whitmore is on his third team in four years—as well as why he had to sign a two-way contract with Denver to continue his NBA career.

What Whitmore showed during his second preseason game with the Nuggets, however, is that he's an electric scorer and athlete who can realistically achieve redemption in Denver.

Whitmore was one of the driving forces behind the Nuggets' 117-106 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Oct. 6. He erupted for 14 points in 15 minutes, skying above the rim for gravity-defying finishes and making plays as both an on and off-ball scorer.

That includes a two-handed dunk off of a baseline cut that revealed exactly how he can complement Nikola Jokic and his high-post passing.

One preseason game may not quell the overarching concerns about Whitmore's fit with the Nuggets, but he's saying and doing all of the right things to redeem himself and secure a future in Denver.

Cam Whitmore is showing out, saying the right things

Whitmore's scoring prowess is an unavoidable element of his appeal as a player. Through three seasons, he boasts career averages of 10.5 points per game and 21.8 points per 36 minutes. On the per-36 front, he's also produced 6.8 rebounds, 1.7 offensive boards, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks.

Whitmore has admittedly shot just 34.9 percent from beyond the arc, but he's done so while burying 2.8 threes per 36 minutes and shooting a respectable 45.0 percent from the field.

With a three-point shot that's only a 1.1 percent below the league average and a generational passer in Jokic offering him clean looks at the basket, perhaps this is the year when Whitmore begins to put it all together. That, of course, will require him to do more than score.

Thankfully, Whitmore has made it clear that he's committed to being the type of player that the Nuggets need him to be.

Cam Whitmore's mindset with the Nuggets: "Play some defense"

Following Denver's first preseason game, Whitmore was asked about what his mindset was when he got onto the court. His answer was simple: "Play some defense." It's far too soon to believe that words will translate to actions, but it's the right mentality for him to embrace.

If Whitmore is willing to buy in on the defensive end of the floor and put his 230-pound frame and explosive athleticism to use, then the Nuggets would instantly improve the quality of their depth chart.

Thankfully, Whitmore is off to a solid start. He's scoring with the same explosive volume he showcased during his first three seasons and could offer needed support to Jokic and Jamal Murray in that regard. If he acts on his words, then it'll be even easier to give him minutes.

Whitmore has a lot to prove in Denver, but if his most recent preseason outing is a sign of things to come, then redemption could be within reach.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow