Jackson Gatlin here, the host of the daily Locked On Rockets podcast, with your daily Locked On Rockets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Rockets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Houston Rockets Mailbag: Cam Whitmore Drama, Front Office Expectations, Trade Speculation & More
Cam Whitmore’s Body Language Drama
The recent chatter around Cam Whitmore’s body language has stirred up quite the conversation among Houston Rockets fans. As a 20-year-old in his second season, Whitmore is navigating a challenging situation, being the only player from last year’s rotation forced to spend time in the G League. This transition was expected to be tough, and it’s understandable if he’s found his “demotion” difficult.
However, it’s important to keep things in perspective. It’s vastly different than a situation like Christian Wood’s refusal to enter a game two years ago. Even in the worst-case scenario, it’s not as dire as some might think. Whitmore’s current struggles are part of the growing pains many young players experience. This is precisely why the Rockets brought in Ime Udoka as head coach. Known for his strong culture-building skills, Udoka is well-equipped to manage such situations. His actions suggest he doesn’t view this as a major issue, as Whitmore continues to be involved with the team and receive rotation opportunities.
It’s crucial to remember that as fans and observers, have limited context. We see brief moments that can be easily misinterpreted or exaggerated. The coaching staff and team have far more information and interactions with Whitmore than we do. Making judgments based on a few seconds of footage or isolated incidents is risky. We’ve seen similar situations before with young players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green, where brief moments of tension were overanalyzed. In retrospect, these turned out to be non-issues. With Udoka at the helm, there’s even less reason for concern.
Rockets Front Office Strategy
Turning to the Rockets front office strategy, there’s been speculation about potential trades and the team’s direction. Every indication suggests that the Rockets are inclined to stay the course, at least until next summer. With the team currently overachieving and sitting at number two in the West, there’s little reason to push for a major trade unless an overwhelmingly positive deal presents itself.
The Rockets are in a strong bargaining position, especially with their stockpile of young players and draft picks. This leverage allows them to be patient and gather more data on their current roster before making any significant moves. The front office is likely to wait until they have a full season of data, including playoff performances, to assess any shortcomings and decide on potential trades.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Cam Whitmore’s situation and the Rockets front office strategy, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Potential starting lineup changes when the roster is fully healthy
- Fred VanVleet injury update
- Trade possibilities involving Kevin Durant and Devin Booker
The Cavs, the Thunder, and the joy of a job well done
Jan 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. | Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
The ESPN broadcast had its usual coach interview at the start of the fourth quarter, but the dialogue was far from typical. Instead of anodyne coach-speak, a smiling Kenny Atkinson marveled at the basketball being played before him.
“What a great basketball game,” the Cavaliers coach gushed. “I wish I could just sit back and watch it.”
As someone who did precisely that, I can say that Atkinson sure wasn’t wrong.
Cleveland/OKC had something for everyone. There were loud dunks, post moves, occasional but far from overwhelming flurries of three-pointers, high-level shotmaking, ping-pong ball movement, and great all-around defense (despite what the final score might indicate).
The major players exerted maximum effort on both sides and played more than their usual share of minutes. Coaches unveiled tactical adjustments at a lightning pace, counters to counters at a rate you usually only see in the playoffs. There was even a lot of zone defense (which, if you read Basketball Poetry, you would’ve been prepared for!). The refs were largely inobtrusive and inconsequential.
Frankly, if you didn’t like this game, there’s not much hope for you.
Something that struck me halfway through an exquisite third quarter: everyone on the court was simply doing their job. I don’t love how that sentence reads on paper; it makes it sound like a dull affair, people clocking in and clocking out before going to a chain bar with flashing neon signs instead of character for their preferred domestic light pilsner of choice.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. What is an NBA player’s job if not to entertain?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Preview Explore the upcoming matchup between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies as Ja Morant is set to return. Key players Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green are also featured. (The Dream Shake)
Injury Jabari Smith Jr.'s return to the Houston Rockets lineup remains uncertain. The focus now shifts to Tari Eason potentially stepping up in his absence. (The Dream Shake)
Analysis Key Houston Rockets players, including Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, are gaining momentum. Their recent performances hint at promising development for the team’s future. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview Get ready for the Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies game with this comprehensive preview. Find details on betting odds and how to watch the game. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis A look at the state of zone defense in the NBA. Who’s running it, and who isn’t? (Basketball Poetry)
Must Read NBA greats think this D-II coach is a basketball genius. So why don’t you know who Jim Crutchfield is? (The Athletic)
Analysis Is this the worst rookie class in modern NBA history? Jared Dubin examines box-score production to compare this year’s rookies to the past. (Last Night in Basketball)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Must-Add Players and Surprising Drops
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | John Hefti/John Hefti-Imagn Images
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, it’s crucial to stay on top of the fantasy basketball waiver wire. Let’s dive into the most added and dropped players over the last 48 hours, and discuss some must-roster options for your fantasy teams.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. tops the list of most added players on Basketball Monster. While he’s had two solid games recently, I’m cautious about his long-term value, especially if Jimmy Butler is traded. Remember, any incoming player in a Butler trade could easily take over his role and minutes.
Ryan Dunn is another popular add, likely due to the Suns’ five-game week. However, he’s not a long-term hold for 12-team leagues. Use him for the extra games this week, but be prepared to move on quickly.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is seeing increased opportunities with Paul George out, making him a solid short-term add. Naji Marshall has also been playing well and is worth considering, despite a recent poor shooting night.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Rockets podcasts.
How Houston Rockets COLLAPSED In Final Seconds Vs Nets Despite 20/20 Game In Alperen Sengun’s Return Can the Houston Rockets bounce back after their heart-wrenching loss to the Brooklyn Nets? With Fred VanVleet’s absence glaringly felt, the Rockets struggles in the clutch moments raise questions about their late-game execution and strategy.
Luka Doncic TRADED To Lakers For Anthony Davis!? How It HELPS The Houston Rockets, NBA Impact & More Luka Doncic’s shocking trade to the Los Angeles Lakers has sent shockwaves through the NBA. How will this blockbuster move reshape the league and impact the Houston Rockets’ future?
Late Game Execution Costs Houston Rockets In Loss To Grizzlies + Alperen Sengun Becomes An All-Star Can the Houston Rockets bounce back after a nail-biting loss to the Memphis Grizzlies? With Alperen Sengun’s All-Star selection, the Rockets are making headlines in the NBA.
