Rockets cast-off took just one game to prove why he was traded

The Houston Rockets received some criticism for their Cam Whitmore trade. His most recent performance for the Wizards strongly suggests that they won't regret it too badly.

That's not to say it was the right move. The Rockets received a paltry return for Whitmore. If they were going to settle for a pair of second-round picks, they should have held onto Whitmore. If they couldn't get a better deal by the deadline - well, frankly, who would care?

That said, Whitmore's flaws are well-documented. It doesn't look like he's changed much. It's quite possible that this was the best return he was ever going to fetch for the Rockets.

One stat in the most recent Wizards preseason game validates that theory.

Rockets' cast off shows the same ugly flaws in preseason loss

Against the Raptors, Whitmore had 10 points in 17 minutes. That's typical Whitmore stuff. Points per 75 possessions have been the only measure by which Whitmore has thrived in the NBA.

Assists? Whitmore didn't have any. That won't shock any Rockets fans. Neither will Whitmore's -27 mark in this contest:

Although Wizards fans may be triple-checking the box score on that one.

It's the truth. Whitmore was -27. If you're thinking this was a blowout, think again. The Wizards lost to the Raptors by a single point in a 113-112 contest.

It was an unfathomably poor performance for Whitmore. It was also par for the course. Whitmore doesn't seem intent on fixing his passing problem. Instead, he seems convinced that if he just keeps chucking up shots, he'll eventually be recognized as a primary scorer.

The Rockets are lucky not to be dealing with that delusion anymore.

The Rockets won't miss Cam Whitmore

Again, the Rockets didn't get enough for Whitmore.

Shipping him off at the first opportunity did not make sense. The Rockets must have been trying to do right by Whitmore. Maintaining a reputation as a player-friendly organization has some value, but not as much as a protected first-rounder might have.

Likely, the Rockets would never have gotten that much for Whitmore, but they should have held out without any discernible downside. Be that as it may:

This is not a player who's ready to contribute to a title contender.

So, the rebuilding Wizards are perfect for Whitmore. Whether he'll earn a place with them is to be determined. He's a talented player, but if he won't play within a team concept, that talent is unlikely to amount to a long-term starting role in the NBA.

If that's what he's after, a -27 performance won't help his cause.