Rockets' Cam Whitmore named one of the NBA's potential breakout stars

The Houston Rockets have a lot of young talent, which means they have many potential breakout players.

A major leap from one of their "core seven" would change the fortunes of this team. It's hard to predict which of these guys will make that leap.

Bleacher Report took a crack at it anyway.

They've named Cam Whitmore as the Rockets' biggest potential breakout star for 2024-25. Moreover, they've named him the fifth-highest breakout candidate in the NBA.

Is that a wise prediction?

Whitmore has star potential for Rockets

Sure!

"While he doesn't project to start, he'll provide double-digit scoring off the bench and be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year"

- Eric Pincus, Bleacher Report

That would certainly be a blessing. If Whitmore is a bonafide Sixth Man of the Year candidate in 2024-25, he'll be hugely impactful for the Rockets.

The potential is there. Whitmore is an explosive athlete with a smooth jumper. He can certainly put up points in a hurry in the halfcourt, and he's a terror in transition. He's a viable choice as a breakout candidate for the Rockets this season.

It just happens that he isn't my choice.

Whitmore will have obstacles to climb

It would be dishonest to take that position back. I've already published an article clarifying exactly why Whitmore is unlikely to break out in 2024-25.

Let's review. Bleacher Report suggests that Whitmore will be the Rockets' sixth man. That would be great, but it's difficult to visualize that role for him next year.

Will Amen Thompson get the starting nod over Dillon Brooks? With his non-existent shooting, it's difficult to picture. It feels easier to peg Thompson as Houston's sixth man. Still, let's suppose he does find himself in the starting lineup.

Whitmore would still have to surpass Brooks in the rotation. Given the defensive gap between them and Ime Udoka's emphasis on that end of the floor, it feels unlikely. So, it's hard to imagine where Whitmore's sixth-man role is coming from.

Sure, he could be Jalen Green's primary backup. Whitmore can play the 2. Still, the Rockets may want to find some time for Reed Sheppard in that rotation spot. Given how often Fred VanVleet is expected to be on the floor, there may not be enough minutes for Sheppard at the 1 alone.

None of which is to say Whitmore can't break out. If he earns his spot, he earns his spot. We'd like to see him develop into a more willing passer before the Rockets increase his responsibilities, but Whitmore could easily do that. He's young:

That's what makes him a breakout candidate.