The Houston Rockets just built a powerhouse and would do it all over again if they had the chance.
Cam Whitmore saw his role diminish as a sophomore and had no conceivable path to more playing time next season. His trade value this time next year likely would have been lower.
Understanding and defending the Rockets’ process doesn’t change the potential long-term optics. Whitmore has real multi-level scoring ability.
Among every player to log as much court time through their first two seasons over the last 25 years, here’s the list of names to average more than 20 points per 36 minutes while matching Whitmore’s effective field-goal percentage: Chet Holmgren, Victor Wembanyama, Zion Williamson, Naz Reid, Michael Porter Jr., Jaren Jackson Jr., Karl-Anthony Towns, Shaquille O’Neal and David Robinson.
That’s pretty good company. And while it’s not necessarily telltale of what’s to come, turning Whitmore into two second-round picks is one of those moves that, while justifiable, may not age too well with the benefit of hindsight.