On January 12, Beijing time, Rockets reporter Lachard Binkley tweeted today that due to some injuries on the team, it was time to give Whitmore a chance to start. He wrote: "Whitmore has had many setbacks in his basketball career, not only in high school, but also in every leg of his career, including in the NBA. The Rockets are now facing some injury issues, and it's time to give Whitmore a chance to start. ”
Whitmore has been in really good form recently, playing an average of 17 minutes per game in the last six games, scoring 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals, shooting 56.3% from the field, 50% from three-point range, 100% from the free throw line, and shooting to the level of the 200 club. Although the sample size is limited, Whitmore is indeed extremely efficient, and he is the Rockets' highest scorer per minute.
The injuries of Eason and Dillon have done a lot of damage to the Rockets' three-point and perimeter defense. Eason has improved his three-point shooting percentage to over 36 percent this season, while Dillon has hit a career-high 40.8 percent from three-point range. The Rockets are now losing not only two of their best defenders, but also two good shooters. The lack of outside shooting has been a big problem for the Rockets lately, and that's one of Whitmore's areas of expertise.
Whitmore has shot over 42 percent from three-point range in his limited playing time this season, which is great for any player, especially for a rookie known for his athleticism (not necessarily outside shooting). The Rockets have shot 31.7 percent from three-point range in their last three games, and Udoka needs to give Whitmore more time.
Binkley said he has asked Udoka about Whitmore's playing time in different ways throughout the season. Udoka has been vague about when Whitmore will get more playing time, but for now, whether he starts or not, Whitmore will get more and more minutes on the field.