Cam Whitmore’s physique language on the sector has been a focus for many individuals. Houston Rockets followers comply with a difficult interview session at first of the month. Throughout that Jan. 1 interview, Whitmore appeared to sign some frustration along with his diminished function in the beginning of the 2024-25 season.
Creating prospect for second yr, Whitmore carried out effectively throughout Tuesday’s victory in Washingtonending with 17 factors in 18 minutes whereas making 6 of 8 photographs (75.0%) on all three of his 3-point makes an attempt. However so much on social networks and on boards questioned his physique language throughout this match.
In a radio interview earlier than Thursday’s sport at Memphis, Ross Villareal of SportsTalk 790 requested Rockets head coach Ime Udoka how Udoka considered Whitmore’s current performances, each on and off the court docket. Udoka replied:
Cam was good. He performed laborious. I’ve heard individuals point out physique language or no matter. It looks like individuals are in search of one thing now.
Very efficient final match. Scoring comes pure (for him), so I all the time return to the little issues, the defensive issues, and recognizing who’s the place on the sector and the way we have to defend particular guys. That is all the time going to be the issue with him and the younger guys – defensive schemes, coverages and understanding your personnel. That is the massive drawback. His shot choice has improved considerably and he scores like he all the time does.
I believe individuals perform a little an excessive amount of with nothing.
Drafted within the first spherical of 2023, Whitmore performed comparatively effectively in his rookie season earlier than a loaded rotation prompted the Rockets to ship him to the G League early in his sophomore marketing campaign. Houston’s perspective was that for a gifted 20-year-old, fixed reps at a decrease stage (just like what rookie Reed Sheppard what’s doing in the intervening time) had been higher for Whitmore’s long-term growth than sitting and never enjoying on the top of an NBA bench.
Even so, after enjoying effectively as a rookie in 2023-24, initially being not noted of Udoka’s rotation in 2024-25 was probably a bitter tablet to swallow. It is doable that this led to some frustration for Whitmore, however the current airing of grievances (this January 1 interview) appears to have triggered some followers to place him underneath the microscope whereas maybe taking some small issues out of context .
Regardless, with forwards Jabari Smith Jr. (fractured left hand) and Tari Eason (decrease left leg soreness) each sidelined indefinitely on account of harm, the Whitmore’s improved on-court play is what’s most essential to Udoka. In his final 9 video games, Whitmore is averaging 13.3 factors and 4.0 rebounds in 20.4 minutes per sport whereas taking pictures 46.9% from the sector and 40.9% from 3-point vary.
Possessing a 6-foot-7 body with elite athleticism and energy, Whitmore is flexible sufficient to play a number of positions, more and more making him a viable rotation possibility for the second-seeded Rockets. collection (24-12). That is the place Udoka appears to need the eye to stay, each for Whitmore himself and others who comply with the group.
Extra: ‘We’ll see what occurs’: Regardless of current kind, Cam Whitmore uncertain of function with Rockets
This text was initially printed on Rockets Wire: ‘An excessive amount of from nothing’: Ime Udoka takes situation with Cam Whitmore’s criticism
