Rockets only choice to solve Cam Whitmore problem has become crystal clear

The Houston Rockets have put themselves in an interesting position.

This team is flush with young talent. As the Western Conference's second seed, they also look primed to compete for the NBA title in the coming years. There's no limit on the young Rockets' potential.

That goes for almost every young player on the roster. The operative word is "almost". Most of the Rockets' young guns gave gotten ample opportunities to strut their stuff. Reed Sheppard is a rookie - fans should wait until at least next year to fuss over his future with the team.

Then, there's Cam Whitmore.

Rockets can't find time for Cam Whitmore

I've covered this before. I'm writing another piece on the subject because Whitmore's place in the Rockets' pecking order has been particularly pronounced lately.

On March 3, Cam Whitmore saw 40 minutes against the Thunder. He had 27 points on 10/19 shooting from the field, along with 11 rebounds. It was a strong performance:

Apparently, it wasn't strong enough for Ime Udoka.

Since that game, Whitmore has played 10 minutes in precisely 0 NBA games. In the Rockets' last 4 games, he's been victimized by the 5 words any NBA player fears the most:

DNP: Coach's Decision.

What gives?

Whitmore's flaws continue to persist with Rockets

Udoka's reasoning for decreasing Whitmore's minutes after one of the best games of his career is puzzling. His reasoning for being uninterested in playing him in general is easy to understand.

As a rookie, Whitmore averaged 1.35 assists per 75 possessions. He's improved as a sophomore, but 2.0 assists per 75 is still a dramatically low mark. Whitmore has shown no desire or ability to set his teammates up.

He's also prone to defensive lapses. Whitmore can make defensive plays, but he doesn't focus consistently. At times, it feels like he's more interesting in getting a steal than guarding his man. It feels like Whitmore plays defense largely to find an opportunity to get a fastbreak dunk.

It's fine that Whitmore has flaws - he's a sophomore. Still, it feels like those flaws are so significant that he's not going to find his way with the Rockets.

The solution is obvious.

Rockets should solve Whitmore problem this summer

The Rockets should trade Whitmore this summer.

As a rule, the Rockets seem to be hanging onto all young players and first-round picks to maximize their ability to consolidate assets for a superstar. If they're making that blockbuster deal this summer, Whitmore should be the first player they offer, but even if they don't, they should make an exception.

Whitmore will be thinking about an extension after next year. He seems unhappy in Houston. Whitmore's dissatisfied demeanour and waning minutes will only hurt his trade value. If Houston doesn't want to put him on the floor, how highly will rival GMs value him in the first place? Could he realistically make or break a deal for an MVP candidate, or can the Rockets make that type of consolidation deal without him?

I'd lean towards the latter. Meanwhile, if you haven't noticed, the Rockets still have needs. Trading Cam Whitmore for someone - anyone - who can reliably knock down threes this summer should be the move no matter how the specific mechanics look.

It should help the Rockets improve their position.