Rockets' Cam Whitmore is starting to answer his critics

ByJames Piercey|
The Houston Rockets may have something in Cam Whitmore
The Houston Rockets may have something in Cam Whitmore | Tim Warner/GettyImages

The Houston Rockets have a tremendous collection of young talent. If they're lacking anything, it's a surefire franchise player. Most of the guys on this roster have been questioned for one reason or another.

Still, perhaps none have been scrutinized as thoroughly as Cam Whitmore (although, Jalen Green may like a word). It's partly a consequence of Whitmore's style. Players who look to score that often - and conversely, pass that rarely - tend to play under a microscope.

Whitmore seemed to have fallen out of favor with Ime Udoka. That was understandable. That said, he's back in the rotation lately.

He's making the most of his minutes as well.

Rockets' Whitmore is turning a corner

Whitmore has played 20 minutes or more in each of the Rockets' last six games. During that stretch, he's averaging 13.1 points on 49.6% shooting from the field along with 5.2 rebounds in 22.6 minutes per game.

Points per minute has always been Whitmore's calling card. He can score in bunches. The questions have surrounded his ability to contribute positively in other areas.

There are a couple of factors about this stretch of play that are encouraging. Whitmore's 5.2 rebounds per game are solid. He's helping in that area, having grabbed 10 against the Blazers on January 18th.

Whitmore has also looked more focused on defense. That's particularly key for him. This is a player with the physical tools to be a contributor on that end of the floor. If Whitmore can consistently defend well, it'll earn him even more playing time with Udoka.

Has he fixed his biggest flaws?

Whitmore is improving as a passer too

Sure!

Whitmore had 3 assists in back-to-back contests over this group of games.

That's a solid mark. The Rockets aren't asking Whitmore to be John Stockton. His role is to score. He can look to score first. Whitmore simply needs to be willing to make the extra pass when one of his teammates has a better look.

So, Whitmore is scoring, rebounding and defending. He's upgraded his passing. He's part of the future now:

Right?

Rockets have intriguing outlook with Whitmore

It's hard to say.

This team is stacked. Jalen Green is making strides lately. Amen Thompson is entrenched as vital cog in the future. Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason have the size to provide value that Whitmore physically can't.

If there's a future for Whitmore in Houston, it would require moving Thompson or Green to the point guard spot. That would open up an avenue for Whitmore to start at the 3. In that permutation of the team, Reed Sheppard would likely be the odd man out.

This team's future is unclear. If Whitmore can't work his way into the starting lineup, he's still bolstering his trade value with his recent play. Time will tell how this unfolds:

feed

But in the meantime, Whitmore is answering questions.

Schedule