Although the Houston Rockets have not made a trip to the postseason since 2020, the franchise has laid the groundwork for the future. Leveraging their lottery luck, Houston has secured a top-five draft pick in each of the last four years. It culminated in their standout 2021 class featuring rising stars Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. But it may be Cam Whitmore, taken 20th overall in 2023, who may prove to be their most underrated acquisition.
Photo Cred: SI
Once a coveted five-star recruit, Whitmore entered the NBA draft with lofty expectations but slid due to health concerns. Despite the risk, the Rockets saw potential in Whitmore. Shaped by his standout season as a one-and-done prospect at Villanova, he averaged 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. His impact extended beyond statistics. Whitmore played a pivotal role in Villanova’s success on both ends of the floor. He showcased versatile offensive and electrifying athleticism.
Transitioning to the professional ranks, Whitmore began his career in the G-League. He wasted no time in proving his worth with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The forward averaged 26.2 points over 13 games. His performance caught the attention of Rockets’ head coach Ime Udoka, earning him a call-up to the roster. Despite finishing as the 11th seed, Whitmore made an impact, averaging 13.3 points and 3.5 rebounds in April.
Photo Cred: ESPN
Heading into the upcoming season, Whitmore stands poised to assume a significant role as the Rockets starting roatation surrounded by a constellation of star talents. Fred VanVleet, at the point guard position, will orchestrate the offense and facilitate opportunities for Whitmore to excel. With an entire offseason dedicated to refining his skills, Whitmore has the potential to emerge as a cornerstone for Houston’s resurgence.
If he integrates into the team’s strategy and finds his rhythm early in the season, Whitmore could catalyze the Rockets’ ascent back into playoff contention. The Rockets finished 41-41 last year. They could potentially end their postseason drought through the play-in tournament. While the Houston Rockets have navigated a challenging stretch without playoff appearances, their strategic draft selections, highlighted by the emergence of Whitmore signify a promising trajectory towards reclaiming competitiveness in the NBA landscape.
