3 studs, 2 duds from Rockets' Summer League championship loss versus Cavaliers

4. Dud- Cam Whitmore

Cam Whitmore had a stellar showing in the Summer League altogether and was a big reason why the Rockets reached the championship game in the first place. After Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. were pulled from the Summer League, Whitmore figured to be the beneficiary.

What followed was stellar play from the 19-year-old, leaving many to question how he dropped all the way to the 20th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Whitmore eventually took home the Summer League MVP, with averages of 20.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.32assists, and three steals heading into Monday's title game.

But as is oftentimes the case, Whitmore probably would've fared better if the award had been doled out after the game, because this was easily one of his worst performances thus far. Whitmore finished with 14 points on a team-best 17 shots, posting an inefficient 6-of-17 outing from the field.

Whitmore also finished with three turnovers (tied for a team-high) and was the only starter to not have a single assist. Although Whitmore used his athleticism to get to the basket (which is going to be difficult for teams to stop), at times he would've been better off trying to set his teammates up for more scoring opportunities as opposed to trying so desperately to set himself up for baskets.

Having Amen Thompson, who was ruled out after the first game with an ankle injury, would have helped Whitmore significantly in this game.