What are the expectations on the second year forward?
Following a promising rookie season last year in which Cam Whitmore held averages of 12.3 points and 3.8 rebounds, this sophomore season is one of much anticipation. The otherworldly athleticism and high-end scoring potential from Whitmore were on full display last year for Houston, but the main question is, can he take the next step forward and improve further this season?
A part of the Rockets’ young core, Cam is expected to see a minutes increase this season and play a pivotal role off the bench as a lead scorer. All the tools for Whitmore are there to back up that statement, and all will be needed if Houston reaches the success they hope for. With that in mind though, it’s hard to look past Cam’s poor 2024 Summer League performance when talking about his momentum coming into this season. Playing rather selfishly and lacking that offensive arsenal we know he has, Whitmore’s Summer League averages were just a mere 16.7 points per game to go with extremely poor shooting splits at 38.3 percent from the field and 7.1 percent from three.
While it is only a three-game stretch worth of numbers, to say there’s not at least some concern for Cam heading into the season would be an understatement. In Summer League, the shooting was about as off as it possibly could be, there were many unforced errors on the offensive end, the previously mentioned selfishness, and finally a lack of defensive effort. While I personally believe he’ll be able to move past this and have a solid and improved outing in the 2024-25 NBA campaign, it definitely does not help his case to be coming off a poor outing.
However, the NBA preseason looms just around the corner, and for a guy like Cam Whitmore, making the most of every opportunity presented is crucial. A strong preseason could not only solidify a strong rotational position, but also silent the offseason criticisms. A growth in shooting, playmaking, and defensive intensity could be all that’s needed for a year two leap with Whitmore, and it all starts with the preseason performance from him.
With Houston hoping to make the playoffs this season, Cam Whitmore will need to further in his development and show continue to show signs of potential all while providing high caliber minutes. With a small forward position that is all but guaranteed, a perfect season for Whitmore would result in challenging to start.
This season is all about getting better, staying consistent, and making strides in his development for Cam. If Whitmore can build off his rookie season and improve in any way, it’ll be hard not to include him near the top of the rotation, and if you’re the Houston Rockets, that’s exactly what you want.