When the Houston Rockets selected Cameron Whitmore with the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, many believed they had landed one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Whitmore, at one point, was being projected as a lottery pick thanks to his elite athleticism, powerful frame, and natural scoring ability. Three years later, however, his NBA career has yet to take off.
In the upcoming 2026-27 season, Whitmore has the opportunity he has been waiting for: consistent playing time and a chance to prove he belongs as a long-term piece of an NBA rebuild.
A Summer League Star
The reason why Whitmore was being looked at as a potential top pick in the draft was because of his short but impactful stint at Villanova. He missed the first seven games of his collegiate career due to a thumb injury, but once he returned, he showcased his incredible talent.
Whitmore put up averages of 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. His play earned him the title of Big East Conference Men’s Basketball Freshman of the Year.
With his confidence at an all-time high, Whitmore declared for the draft, becoming the first player at Villanova to do so after their freshman year since Tim Thomas in 1997. This was why the Rockets selected him, as they had high hopes.
Whitmore wasted no time showing what he was capable of by putting on a show during the 2023 NBA Summer League. The former Villanova star won Summer League MVP by leading his Rockets to a 5-0 record with averages of 20.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 3.0 steals per game.
Despite his stellar play, the Rockets fell 99-78 in the Summer League championship game. Whitmore scored 14 points on 6-17 shooting.
NBA Highlights And Disappointments
As a rookie in the NBA, Whitmore proved why the Rockets took him. He averaged 12.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in just 18.7 minutes per game.
In fact, Whitmore led the entire NBA in points per touch, putting up 23.7 points per 36 minutes. This, you would think, would set up more playing time in his second season.
That didn’t happen. With Tari Eason returning from injury, Whitmore saw his minutes decrease to 16.2 minutes while averaging 9.4 points per game.
Whitmore also saw several stints in the G League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Ultimately, the Rockets traded him after the season to the Washington Wizards, where he played the 2025-26 season, averaging 9.2 points in 16.9 minutes per game.
His season was cut short to just 21 games after being diagnosed with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. If healthy, Whitmore could see a bigger role on the Wizards in the upcoming season.
This is especially true after Washington traded Jaden Hardy. Whitmore could slide into that role and get the chance he’s been looking for.
Whitmore is currently under a four-year rookie contract worth $15,595,310, which is fully guaranteed. For the 2026-27 season, he will earn a base salary of $5,458,310. He is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season.
If Whitmore can have a breakout season, he could not only secure a starting role with the Wizards, but also he could also position himself for a lucrative new deal.
The Wizards certainly have a chance to make some noise in the upcoming season. Their backcourt of veteran Trae Young and Bub Carrington, along with Anthony Davis, could surprise everyone in the East.
