Whitmore had a strong summer league season last year, being named to the All-Purpose First Team and winning the MVP, and he made his preseason debut against the Pacers, where he finished with 15 points and four rebounds in 16 minutes of play, shooting 6-of-10 from the field and having a plus/minus of +21. And Prince Jalen Green only scored 11 points and 3 rebounds, shooting 5-of-12 from the field.
At that time, many Rockets fans said after the game that they had found a treasure, and Whitmore had a promising future. Some fans hope that Whitmore can replace Jalen Green in the future. However, a year on, Whitmore's progress has not been as good as expected, and Udoka has also pointed out his defensive and passing problems.
Shepard also had a strong summer league this year, where he was also named to the All-Match First Team. After Shepard played his first game, some fans said that he was already better than Jalen Green and that he would be the next Curry.
The Rockets officially announced this year's preseason schedule, Shepard made his debut against the Jazz, Beijing time on October 8.
After that, the Rockets will play against the Thunder, Pelicans and Spurs.
Although Shepard is only the No. 3 pick in the draft, his popularity is quite high. Shepard's jersey was put on display in the Rockets' official store early, and the poster for the preseason game was also him, which shows the importance attached to him.
Rockets general manager Stone has publicly stated that Shepard is the best rookie in the tournament, and his shooting and ball intelligence are top-notch.
Head coach Udoka called Shepard a leader, which is quite high.
Udoka's praise for Jalen Green only said that he was an important weapon for the Rockets.
Udoka values defense and three-point shooting, and Jalen Green's defensive leaks and open three-point shots make him unsatisfying. As a result, Jalen Green was pressed to the bench by Udoka in the final quarter several times last season.
Jalen Green was caught up in trade rumors last season, sparking a lot of buzz among fans. Some United States media analysis believes that Udoka is pushing for a trade and wants Rockets general manager General Manager Slim Green to add chips to exchange stars.
Houston reporter Kelly Eco has mentioned that Udoka made a trade reinforcement proposal before the trade deadline last season, which was rejected by management.
Stone wants to develop Whitmore and Amen, while Udoka wants to make the playoffs, and the two sides are at odds.
NBA Famer Sam Amico recently revealed that the Rockets had wanted to trade Jalen Green for Mikal Bridges. The Rockets have also considered trading Jalen Green for Durant, Butler and George.
Now Bridges has gone to the Knicks, and George has joined the 76ers.
Two days ago, an NBA reporter revealed that the Rockets are more and more willing to discuss Jalen Green's name in the trade market compared to before.
Previously, some United States media also believed that the Rockets may try to make a big trade before the trade deadline next season to bring in a strong reinforcement to impact the playoffs. Jalen Green, who is in shaky form and wants a high salary with only one year left on his contract, is likely to be reduced to a bargaining chip, and Jeff Green, Landale and Tate will be added to the salary level.
Back then, Wood wanted to be the boss of the Rockets and wanted to get a max contract, but Stone didn't think he was worth it. Wood only had one year left on his contract, and the Rockets traded him to the Mavericks.
If Jalen Green leaves, who will take the position of the Rockets' prince? Many fans support Shepard.
Sam Vecenie, a well-known NBA draft expert, believes Shepard will have a higher ceiling than Jalen Green, and he has a chance to become a cornerstone player.