Cam Whitmore perplexed by draft slide, says he’s healthy and motivated for Rockets

New Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore doesn’t understand the medical concerns that likely caused him to fall to No. 20 in the first round. “I feel fine,” the 18-year-old told reporters after Thursday’s NBA draft at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. “I have no idea.”

Whitmore was believed to be in consideration for the Rockets at No. 4 overall, where some analysts had even projected him to be selected over Amen Thompson (the eventual choice).

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Yet, for whatever reason, the athletic 6-foot-7 forward tumbled out of the lottery entirely and was available for Rockets general manager Rafael Stone to select with Houston’s second first-round pick.

According to multiple reporters, team sources indicated that they didn’ see any red flags when reviewing Whitmore’s medicals.

Here’s a roundup of what Whitmore had to say, along with reaction from fans and analysts within the draft community. Stone will meet with reporters for further discussion late Thursday night.