Washington’s 3-19 record is the worst in the Eastern Conference to begin 2025-26. The Wizards are 2-8 over their previous 10 and have lost three straight.
That includes a 131-116 loss to the Hawks on Saturday. For that game, Cam Whitmore was a DNP for Washington. It was his first DNP of the season. NBA insider Grant Afseth shared a new report on Wizards’ Cam Whitmore. He detailed how Washington is growing frustrated with Whitmore’s “practice habits and day-to-day work.” The 21-year-old must fix his ways if he wants to stay with the team long-term.
What can Cam Whitmore do to earn the trust of the coaching staff?
The Washington Wizards have concerns about Cam Whitmore’s practice habits and day-to-day work, per @GrantAfseth
“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… pic.twitter.com/GqZFSeYYKi
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 8, 2025
In the 2023 NBA draft, the Rockets used the 20th overall pick to select Cam Whitmore out of Villanova. He appeared in 98 games and made five starts over his first two seasons with Houston. Whitmore saw a limited role with the Rockets due to the depth on the roster. During the 2025 offseaosn, the Wizards traded two second-round picks to the Rockets to acquire Cam Whitmore. That was part of a larger, three-team deal.
Cam Whitmore appeared in the first 21 games of the 2025-26 season for the Wizards. However, the 21-year-old was a DNP on Saturday vs. the Wizards. NBA insider Grant Afseth reported that there are growing concerns about Whitmore from within the organization. He specifically detailed Whitmore’s “practice habits and day-to-day work.”
Wizards Coach Brian Keefe benched Cam Whitmore on Saturday against Atlanta. Here’s why. pic.twitter.com/70YqhGeIUo
— Varun Shankar (@ByVarunShankar) December 7, 2025
Afseth said the Wizards want to establish firm practice habits and “a consistent approach across its young roster.” Cam Whitmore has not consistently met those expectations for Washington. That’s likely why he received his first DNP of the 2025-26 season. Head coach Brian Keege said the team has standards that Cam Whitmore has not lived up to.
The talent level has never been a question for Cam Whitmore. His issue centers on accountability, consistency, and daily habits. Unless changes are made, Cam Whitmore could lose his roster spot with Washington. There is no sense in keeping him if he is not meeting the organization’s standards. That’s an internal decision the front office and coaching staff will have to make. Washington’s next game is Friday, December 12, vs. the Cavaliers.
