Cam Whitmore is a future star for the Rockets

Cam Whitmore joined the Houston Rockets as the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Villanova product enjoyed a strong rookie season, averaging 12.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in 47 games for Ime Udoka's team. 

Whitmore is currently in Las Vegas as part of the Rockets' Summer League roster. On Friday, he suited up against the Los Angeles Lakers, totaling 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals while shooting 47.1% from the field. 

The Rockets are working toward being a legitimate threat in the Western Conference. Hiring Ime Udoka last summer was a signal of the front office's intent to expedite the franchise's rebuild. Whitmore's playing time likely suffered due to the change in focus from the front office and coaching staff. However, whenever he took to the floor, he showed flashes of being a high-level scorer in the future. 

"There are a lot of similarities to someone I just had recently, Jaylen Brown," Udoka told SportsTalk 790 in April. "It’s funny, our whole coaching staff, a lot of us came from Boston and had coached Jaylen Brown. It’s very similar, as far as the way they play. But even how they think and movements and all that"

Jaylen Brown was crowned as the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP this season. He is arguably a top-five scorer in the NBA. If Whitmore can follow a similar developmental path, his future in Houston will be incredibly bright. 

Whitmore plays the game with a level of controlled aggression that suits Udoka's philosophy. However, he must continue to improve on the defensive end. 

Houston has spent the past two seasons searching for upgrades at every position. Whitmore may find himself being floated in trade rumors between now and the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Brown dealt with similar issues during his earlier years with the Boston Celtics. 

The Rockets have a potential star in Whitmore. He will showcase his potential and high-level scoring skillset throughout Summer League. Udoka must find a more consistent role for the sophomore forward. That's the only way he can continue to develop and grow into the star he's capable of becoming.