The Washington Wizards’ rebuild has taken another unwanted twist. A new report suggests the franchise is growing increasingly uneasy with Cam Whitmore’s approach behind the scenes.
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Wizards Concerned With Cam Whitmore’s Work Habits
According to Grant Afseth of RG.com, the Wizards are concerned about Whitmore’s day-to-day professionalism which is a troubling development for a roster already drowning in a 3–19 start.
For Whitmore, once considered a high-ceiling talent with star potential, this marks yet another chapter in a pattern of questions surrounding his consistency, work habits, and overall engagement.
Afseth reports that inside the organization, the Wizards have been disappointed with Whitmore’s practice habits and daily work ethic, noting he has not consistently met expectations during a season heavily focused on establishing structure and discipline.
Washington’s coaching staff has emphasized firm practice standards amid their disastrous opening stretch, yet Whitmore’s buy-in has been inconsistent.
“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.”
The concerns reached a visible point over the weekend when the 21-year-old was a healthy scratch against the Atlanta Hawks.
Head coach Brian Keefe was blunt about Whitmore:
“We have certain standards that we have for our team. He has to live up to those.”
Whitmore’s on-court output has also been underwhelming. He is averaging 9.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and shooting a career-low 28.6% from three.
His long-standing weakness as a passer has not improved either, with only 0.7 assists per game and ongoing criticism that he doesn’t pass or defend at an NBA-ready level.
Combined with his cold shooting, the deficiencies are stacking up for a player Washington hoped could blossom in an expanded role.
Whitmore’s current situation echoes the concerns that have followed him since before he entered the league. During the 2023 NBA Draft, he was widely projected as a top-eight selection but slid all the way to No. 20.
It was a dramatic fall attributed to what multiple reports described as character issues. Reports at the time also indicated he struggled in interviews, appeared disengaged and failed to convince teams he was a reliable, coachable worker.
Those concerns resurfaced during his time with the Houston Rockets, where flashes of raw scoring ability were overshadowed by inconsistency.
By May 2025, head coach Ime Udoka was publicly addressing the issue:
“We’ve had in-depth conversations with Cam probably more than anybody… Tons of potential there but consistency is the main thing and he knows that,” reported Dainelle Lerner of USA Today.
Whitmore’s uneven focus and variable effort reportedly frustrated the Rockets, contributing to their decision to trade him to Washington in July 2025 for only two future second-round picks which was a remarkably low price for a former projected lottery talent.