NBA Mock Draft: Picks No. 4 and 5
Amen Thompson is commonly viewed as the higher prospect over his twin brother Ausar, which likely stems from his development as a point guard while Ausar has been the off-ball wing. If Amen does develop as an on-ball guard at 6’7″ with his athleticism, he could be a truly dangerous player. If he can’t cut it as a full-time point guard, he may struggle more than his brother to transition to a different role.
Even so, this is the right place for him to be drafted. The Houston Rockets can use a ball-handler with size, whether or not they successfully recruit James Harden or another top guard in free agency. His versatility to play either end of a pick-and-roll would be deadly paired with Alperen Sengun.
The Detroit Pistons were rightfully disappointed when they fell to fifth after having the worst record in the NBA this season, and not being able to draft Victor Wembanyama is painful for all 29 teams not located in southern Texas. Even so, the way the draft board falls they are still able to add a high-upside player at their greatest position of need.
Cam Whitmore is one of the youngest players in the draft, which makes his accomplishments in college all the more impressive. He is an elite athlete and can score at all three levels with the ball in his hands. He was also a solid defender with an excellent steal rate. He slots in beside Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey to form a truly formidable young perimeter core that could propel the Pistons up the standings in a few years.