Hours After Teeing up With Michael Jordan, Rockets’ Rookie Cam Whitmore Flies Like Mike

Finders, keepers. With the Rockets’ GM, Rafael Stone, this would be true. His trust in rookie Cam Whitmore was well-placed. Analysts and evaluators were in agreement that he was a consensus top-10 draft pick. Watching him go down the ladder came as a shock for many. Cam’s medical fitness was a cause of concern for the lot present, except for team Rockets.

Stone was adamant about getting the 5-star recruit on his side. His athleticism, combined with his explosive leaps and shooting, will do wonders for Houston in the coming days. And one such marvelous display happened today in the preseason match against the Spurs.

Cam Whitmore takes off like a ‘rocket’ in today’s matchup

There are only a handful of players who have explosive jumps and are “high-flyers”. Cam Whitmore seems to have both under his wing (as short as it may be). Today’s game against the Spurs saw the 19-year-old Villanova product take a flying leap that can give Superman a run for his money.

Veteran Doug McDermott barely got enough time to get away from the charging bull. And then the crowd was treated to the most spectacular dunk of this year by a rookie. Would it be wrong to call it so? Another cap in his feather would be the Jordan deal Cam signed. The deal means a lot more to the 19-year-old than simply another source of income.

The Houston Rockets’ roster this season shows a lot of potential and a hunger to win. The Rockets got VanVleet and Brooks this trade season to lessen their best player, Jalen Green‘s heavy lifting. And with Cam by his side, Jalen is going to get a well-deserved rest.

The future looks bright for both Whitmore and Houston

Cam Whitmore has been dubbed the “steal of the draft” by NBA general managers in a recent survey. Seeing his progress in the Rockets gives us an idea why. Even before getting drafted by the Rockets, Cam had an impressive record.

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To begin with, the proof of his athleticism can be seen when at the NBA Combine, he tied for the 3rd best vertical leap of 40.5 inches. The dunk on McDermott makes slightly more sense now, doesn’t it? He anticipates passing lanes well; the result of which is 1.4 steals per game and a steal percentage that ranks eighth in the Big East Conference. Weighing at 235 pounds, he has the strength to withstand hits and overpower other players on his drive to the basket.

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Cam’s strength aids him on the offensive end as well. His leaping ability allows him to go over. And if that’s not possible, he can always go through them. Results – stunning 72.3% conversion of his shots at the rim and 57.8% on his 2-point field goal attempts. As noted by Tyler Rucker, “Plenty of areas that need to be untapped with Cam Whitmore in terms of offensive versatility.”

Well, we can be sure of the Houston Rockets helping the young forward to uncover his untapped potential in all spheres. What is your take on what Cam brings to the table for the Rockets?