Houston Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore has likely seen the last of his season after suffering a knee injury earlier this week.
Whitmore is expected to miss at least three weeks, but with the season coming to an end, there's no guarantee he'll play until October. However, before he stepped off the floor for what could have been the last time in his rookie season, he earned the respect of his peers, namely Los Angeles Clippers All-Star Paul George.
"He was trying to challenge me," George said on his podcast. "He was challenging Kawhi [Leonard]. He's a name that I think, because he's a rookie, hasn't had much coverage on him, but he will be good."
Over his last 10 games, Whitmore averaged 12.6 points and 4.5 rebounds. While his shooting efficiency could use some work, he has showcased that he can score at a high level.
Whitmore played in just 38 games this season after spending most of the first half of the year in the G League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. In south Texas, Whitmore grew more comfortable with the speed of the NBA game — and it made an impact when he earned a permanent place in the Rockets rotation.
Whitmore will turn 20 in July and have a full offseason under his belt, so if he can continue along this trajectory, the Rockets could be cooking with gas for the next few years.
The Rockets, sans Whitmore, are back in action today against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT inside the Toyota Center.
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