1 Shocking stat that explains Cam Whitmore's declining role on Rockets

The Houston Rockets have a surplus of young talent. Stop us if you've heard that one before.

Inevitably, there will be an odd man out - or two - in this "core 7". Being the best 7th man in the NBA will not get you paid. The Rockets won't be able to empower each player they've drafted so far.

Once, I wrote that Cam Whitmore felt like this group's odd man out. So far, the 2024-25 season has vindicated that position. Whitmore's minutes per game have slipped from 18.7 in 2023-24 to 13.5 in 2024-25.

Why?

Shocking stat justifies Rockets' decreasing role for Whitmore

Well, who is Cam Whitmore supposed to be?

In a word: a "bucket". Whitmore is supposed to be one of the most dynamic three-level scorers on this roster. His most suitable role on this team would be to provide instant offense with the second unit.

Production from beyond the arch would be integral to that role. So, Whitmore's three-point shooting so far in 2024-25 is troubling.

He hasn't made a three yet.

That's right. Whitmore has attempted a dozen threes in 2024-25 so far. None of them have found the bottom of the net.

Is this concerning?

Rockets' Whitmore will find his stride

Yes and no.

Whitmore will hit a three again. This is a statistical anomaly. Jalen Green is taking nearly a dozen threes per game. If he missed them all in one contest, it would be a horrible game - not a bad season to date.

Still, it's worth noting that Whitmore only made 35.9% of his 4.7 three-point attempts per game as a rookie. That's not a dismal number, but it's far from elite. He also shot just 34.3% from distance during his lone college season at Villanova.

There's a logical (albeit uncomfortable) conclusion to draw here - Whitmore may not be a great shooter. If that's the case, he may not be a great NBA scorer. Whitmore is a gifted run-and-jump athlete, but at 6'7", he doesn't have the size or playmaking vision to be a halfcourt threat if he's not a three-point threat.

So, there is some concern warranted here. It's also not worth ringing the alarm bells.

Shooters improve. Whitmore has a solid, smooth shooting form. We've seen him knock down difficult, contested shots. As a sophomore, he may take some time to find his rhythm.

If there's a legitimate concern about Whitmore, it pertains to how he'll crack a loaded young Rockets rotation. He feels like a prime candidate to be included in a consolidation trade. That said, if a rival team demands a different young player in exchange for a star player, it could create an opportunity for Whitmore with the Rockets.

Here's hoping he can hit a three if that happens.