Rockets rule out Cam Whitmore for remainder of Summer League

According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Whitmore is expected to be shut down for the remainder of Summer League. Thursday could be Houston’s final Summer League game of 2024, though the team could continue to play through the knockout stage starting Saturday.

Sheppard will continue to play for the Rockets on Thursday, according to Iko. Houston’s final top-five pick quickly felt comfortable in Las Vegas, scoring 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers on July 12. Game 2 in Vegas was more of the same. Sheppard’s 22 points against the Washington Wizards went along with seven assists, six rebounds and five (!) steals, once again demonstrating his all-around game.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka, general manager Rafael Stone and Sheppard insist he’s NBA ready despite only one year at Kentucky. Sheppard’s stint in Summer League confirmed that theory.

Sheppard’s Summer League performance was a revelation. Whitmore’s was a continuation of previous results. The 2023 Summer League MVP had an action-movie moment in 2024 with a combined 45 points in his first two games in Las Vegas, including a number of eye-popping transition slams.

Whitmore is never afraid to shoot. He led the NBA in points per touch last season. Summer League gave him a chance to take some shots before getting back into practice before training camp.

The Rockets, without Whitmore, still have a lot to play for in Las Vegas, and they enter Thursday’s game with a 2-1 record and a good chance of advancing to the four-team knockout stage. Kickoff against Minnesota is Thursday at 10 p.m. Central time and will be broadcast by Space City Home Network and ESPN.