Cam Whitmore's two-way deal proves what the Rockets knew long ago

Former Rocket Cam Whitmore has reached the point in his NBA career where only the most desperate teams want him, and just on two-way contracts at that. The Denver Nuggets officially picked him up on such a deal on September 18th after he was waived by the Cavaliers following a multi-player trade. He'll have another chance with a contending team, but this feels like Whitmore's last shot to revive his NBA career.

Whitmore's NBA hopes are quickly spiraling

Whitmore never made it to the point of playing major playoff minutes and gaining that experience with the Rockets. Although he was on the team in 2025 when Houston secured the 2nd seed in the West, Whitmore played just 5 total minutes in the Rockets' 7-game first round series. With his numerous flaws on both ends, Whitmore never earned Ime Udoka's trust to crack the playoff rotation.

Next season will be another uphill climb for Whitmore as he fights to earn a spot on the Nuggets. Denver is looking for any hope to keep up with the best teams in the West, so they were willing to take a flyer on Whitmore's talent that once got him selected in the first round. But they don't have the time to waste if Whitmore doesn't live up to expectations.

Like the Rockets, the Nuggets are also gunning for a deep playoff run and lofty championship aspirations this season. All their moves will be focused on maximizing their title odds now and in the immediate future, while Nikola Jokic is still secured and in his prime. Whitmore needs to prove himself almost immediately, not just with his talent but by playing within the team's desired system. If he fails in either of those capacities, Whitmore could find himself cut and replaced before he knows it.

The Rockets are constantly vindicated by Whitmore

It's shocking to think that Whitmore was on the Rockets roster little more than a year ago. It's only been one full season and two offseasons since he suited up in Houston. But Whitmore and the Rockets have taken two completely different paths since they traded him.

While the Rockets have made moves to establish themselves as possible title hopefuls, Whitmore has flamed out even on an awful Wizards team. The Rockets might not have gotten much of a trade return for Whitmore considering his initial draft standing, but they cashed out well considering where he is just one year and 3 months later. All things considered, maybe the Rockets aren't surprised by how his career has unfolded recently.

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