From 12+3 per game to falling out rotation! The Rockets powerful forward is despised? It may be traded during the offseason

21-year-old Whitmore has always been a very alternative existence in the Rockets' lineup. First of all, his shortcomings are as obvious as their advantages. On the defensive end, Whitmore's defensive ability is quite average, and his ball-holding and offensive ability are ranked last among the Rockets' forward players; but on the offensive end, Whitmore can indeed find ways to throw the ball into the basket with every possibility. This is also the reason why he has been reused by Rockets coach Uduka during his rookie season.

Even in the playoffs, many fans suggested that the Rockets should let Whitmore replace Jaylen Green, who was not performing well. Because the biggest problem for the Rockets in the playoffs is that no one can stand up and score. If Whitmore is sent at this time, at least the scene and effect will definitely be much better than Jaylen Green, who averages 13 points per game. But Uduka did not accept such suggestions. Whitmore only played 3 times in garbage time in the playoffs and did not perform well.

In the regular season this season, Whitmore's performance and tactical status also fell completely compared to his rookie season. In his rookie season, Whitmore averaged 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 47 games, and his three-point shooting percentage was as high as 36%; although Whitmore played 51 times this season, his data and playing time have declined, averaging 9.4 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist, with a shooting percentage of 44%. More importantly, in some key games, Uduka would not reuse Whitmore at all, and even transferred Whitmore to the Vipers, a subsidiary of the Development League Rockets, to exercise for a while in the middle of the season. After that, the Rockets were wounded, and Uduka remembered Whitmore. Whitmore still has a contract, will the Rockets reuse him next season?

NBA expert Racha Dbingley directly stated in the article summarizing the Rockets players' season that Whitmore's playing time and performance on the court this season are not stable enough, which directly led to a comprehensive decline in his data. From a perspective of looking forward to the future, it will be an uphill battle to get a stable playing time next season.

If the Rockets start over with the same roster, they will face the same problems as this season; if a big deal is made, then Whitmore will likely be sent away. The fact now is that Whitmore has strong scoring abilities and talents, but to succeed sometimes it takes more than talent.

So this famous reporter is still not optimistic about Whitmore's performance next season - if Whitmore goes to other teams, he might be able to occupy a more favorable position and even enter the rotation. But among the Rockets, he fell out of rotation for a long time this season, and it will be difficult for the Rockets to enter the rotation next season if the Rockets keep the lineup as it is. If the Rockets plan to trade big, the 21-year-old newbie is likely to be traded as a bargaining chip.

After all, the Rockets are full of talented frontlines now, and Whitmore is like a useless piece of ribs. It’s not to keep him, nor is it not to keep him. What’s more, he can sign an early contract renewal next season. If the Rockets want more flexible cap space, then sending Whitmore away is a better choice.