Rookie Whitmore Impresses Despite Wizards' Loss to Rockets

On November 13, 2025, Cam Whitmore, a 21-year-old rookie, returned to face the Houston Rockets, the team that drafted him in 2023 but later traded him to the Washington Wizards. Despite the Wizards' 135-112 loss, Whitmore showcased his scoring ability, athleticism, and power, reminding the Rockets of the potential they saw in him.

The Wizards have embraced Whitmore as an intriguing reclamation project, giving him heavy minutes to develop his game. While Whitmore's weaknesses, such as his tunnel vision with the ball and his off-ball defense, are evident, his gifts – including his scoring ability, athleticism, and power – are undeniable.

Whitmore has shown promising glimpses, including a 19-point performance in a narrow defeat to the Dallas Mavericks and a 20-point game, complete with a poster dunk against Jalen Duren, in an overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons. The Wizards are willing to endure any growing pains as they believe Whitmore has the potential to make significant individual strides this season.