Whitehead returned to action during the 2024 Las Vegas Summer League after recovering from a January procedure to address a left shin stress reaction. A top high school prospect in 2022, Whitehead earned MVP honors at the McDonald's All-American Game before heading to Duke. He underwent surgery on his right foot before his freshman season and failed to stand out across 28 appearances before needing another offseason surgery because his foot didn't properly heal from the first one. Despite health concerns, the Nets used the No. 22 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft to select Whitehead, who made only two NBA appearances and four G League appearances as a rookie before being shut down. Whitehead struggled mightily with his shot during Summer League, and he'll presumably have to spend some time in the G League this season to shake off the rust before getting an NBA opportunity. However, if Whitehead can prove the injury concerns are behind him, the 6-foot-6 wing should get looks for the rebuilding Nets. Given that likely won't happen until later in the 2024-25 campaign, Whitehead can safely be left on waivers in standard leagues.
