Cleveland Cavaliers officials waived forward Cam Whitmore on Friday, a move that sent a ripple through the league. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype broke the news first, confirming the decision came right after a massive five-team trade. Whitmore, the 20th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had just landed in Cleveland before getting cut loose. He’s 22 years old and stands 6-foot-6, but age and size don’t guarantee a spot on a roster.
He’s gone.
Chicago Bulls fans might see a young player with three years of NBA experience and think he’s the missing piece. They’re wrong. The Bulls need players who show a clear upside trend in their stats or their eye test. Whitmore hasn’t shown that yet. His career numbers sit at 10.5 points per game on 45% shooting from the field and 35% from deep. Those are fine numbers, but they don’t scream “future star” for a rebuilding team.
The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie noted that medical concerns weren’t public when Whitmore was drafted (a detail that matters immensely). Adam Spinella added on a podcast that Whitmore still struggles with decision-making speed and avoiding tunnel vision on the ball. These are the exact flaws that keep a good player from becoming a great one.
Focus on the Real Young Core
The Bulls have a better path forward than chasing a waiver wire player. The organization brought in Caleb Wilson, a talented young player with huge upside. Although Wilson is unpolished, he demonstrated the capacity to orchestrate a fast break and hit mid-range shots. Bulls fans drooled over the two-way potential shown when he sank seven 3-pointers during his professional debut. He’s the type of player who fits the long-term vision.
Matas Buzelis is another cornerstone in this plan. Explosive athletes capable of covering ground in transition include both Wilson and Buzelis. They’re works in progress, but they’re the core the team must build around. The Bulls also need growth from Josh Giddey, who acts as a starting-caliber floor general. If these three grow together, they’ll be tough to stop as a trio.
Per the analysis from Pippen Ain’t Easy, the rebuild will happen in phases. The front office made key changes and hired Tiago Splitter to lead the team. Norman Powell provided a veteran presence and three-point shooting as a fantastic addition this offseason. The roster is taking shape, but it needs to focus on its own young talent first.
Why the Patience Pays Off
Trading for a player like Whitmore would be a mistake. It distracts from the real goal of developing the current young core. The Bulls must show growth this season to continue restoring the franchise. The Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs demonstrated the value of incredible defense last season. Chicago needs to improve defensively to maximize their offensive production.
The offensive talent in the East will challenge the Bulls, but that pressure should push them to their defensive potential. The team must make adjustments during the season to maximize their on-court product. This will allow fans to see what the players on the roster can contribute. It will also hint at how much value they will have in the future.
