Cam Whitmore is entering his fourth season in the NBA, and his fresh start with the Denver Nuggets could give him the big break he has been looking for.

The Nuggets signed Whitmore to a two-way contract in September after the Cleveland Cavaliers waived him. The Cavaliers acquired the young wingman in a five-team trade involving the Nuggets, the Washington Wizards, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Charlotte Hornets.

On Sunday, the 22-year-old Whitmore made his preseason debut with the Nuggets. While they lost to the Utah Jazz, 109-97, he was happy to get his feet wet with his new team. He shared what he was thinking when he was inserted in the third quarter.

“Play some defense,” said Whitmore with a smile in a video posted by AltitudeTV.

“That was mindset coming into the game. I mean, the shots are gonna be there anyway. I trust my teammates that they'll get me involved, and vice versa. But my priority right now is to get on the floor and play some defense.”

Cam Whitmore Talks About The Game Tonight With Noah Reed pic.twitter.com/FdcrdrN9As

— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV) October 5, 2026

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Whitemore tallied six points, two rebounds, and one assist in 15 minutes. He shot 2-of-7 from the floor.

Despite a standout campaign at Villanova, including being named Big East Rookie of the Year, Whitmore has struggled to get consistent opportunities in the NBA since entering in 2023. He looked promising during his rookie year with the Houston Rockets, who drafted him with the No. 20 pick. But since then, he has seen less action.

Last season, he averaged 9.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 16.9 minutes in 21 games with the Wizards.

The Nuggets will have a rematch with the Jazz on Tuesday.