Second-year Rockets forward Cam Whitmore is ending his 2024 NBA summer league stint after three games, as first reported by Kelly Iko of The Athletic. However, rookie guard Reed Sheppard will continue to play in Houston’s final two games, Iko reports.
With averages of 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, Whitmore ranked second on the summer-league Rockets (2-1) in all of those categories. However, he shot just 38.3% from the field and 7.1% on 3-pointers, largely due to a woeful 1-of-15 showing (6.7% FG) during Monday’s lethargic loss to Detroit.
Monday’s game was day two of a back-to-back for the Rockets and their third game in four days, so fatigue may have played a role.
When rested, Whitmore was much more efficient during Houston’s first two games, which resulted in dominant victories over the weekend versus the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards.
Sheppard is leading the summer Rockets (statistics) in points and assists, while Orlando Robinson is the leading rebounder. Houston resumes its schedule Thursday night versus Minnesota.
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The Houston Rockets are shutting second-year forward Cam Whitmore down for the remainder of summer league, sources tell @TheAthletic. No. 3 overall pick Reed Sheppard will continue to play in Vegas.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) July 18, 2024