Houston Rockets guard Cam Whitmore was left off the league’s All-Rookie teams last week, despite having an impressive first season in the NBA. Whitmore, who was projected as a high lottery pick pre-draft, dropped to the 20th pick before being selected by the Rockets. He averaged 12.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 45.4% from the floor and 35.9% from three-point range in just 18.7 minutes per contest.
Whitmore’s standout performance in January, where he shot 40.7% from three-point range, raised questions about potentially replacing starting shooting guard Jalen Green in the lineup. Green, who eventually won Western Conference Player of the Month in March, has been the incumbent in Whitmore’s position. With four more seasons on his rookie contract, Whitmore’s long-term role with the team is uncertain, especially considering the potential extension of Green and the presence of veteran Dillon Brooks and forward Tari Eason.
Despite his All-Rookie snub, Whitmore has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the Rockets, showcasing his feathery touch from the outside and ability to bulldoze defenders with his impressive frame and athleticism. While he still has areas to improve in his passing and defense, Whitmore has shown that teams made a mistake letting him fall in the draft. The Rockets will have to figure out where his minutes will come from and how he fits into the team’s long-term plans.
Green and Whitmore have shown chemistry on the court, utilizing their elite athleticism to dominate opponents in transition. However, if either rookie is to displace Brooks in the starting lineup, it may be Thompson who has the inside track, given his superior defensive skills. Whitmore will need to continue to work on his game and earn his role within the team as he competes for playing time with his fellow young teammates.
With a mix of young talent and veteran presence on the roster, the Rockets have a promising future ahead. Whitmore, Green, and Thompson, along with Brooks and Eason, form a talented group that presents a good problem for the team’s coaching staff and front office. As Whitmore continues to develop and prove his worth, he will be a key piece in the Rockets’ journey towards rebuilding and contending in the future.
