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LAS VEGAS — During the opening possession of Reed Sheppard’s second game as a professional basketball player, the rookie for the Houston Rockets encountered an error—well, almost.
After the tip-off, Johnny Davis, a guard for the Washington Wizards and Sheppard’s defensive assignment, promptly stepped out from the right corner to conduct a dribble handoff with Justin Champagnie on the right wing. Sheppard instinctively tried to stick with Davis, aware he would likely be a focal point early in the shot clock.
However, Cam Whitmore, Sheppard’s new teammate, anticipated the play and recognized the effective counter strategy. Without hesitation, Whitmore switched the matchups, signaling Sheppard to focus on Champagnie while nudging him in the opposite direction before he trailed Davis across the floor, resulting in a foul that sent Davis to the free-throw line.
This was a straightforward moment that often goes unnoticed in the flow of a basketball game. Yet, it highlighted a recurring theme for the second-year forward throughout that month: attentiveness to defensive responsibilities and effective vocal communication—two critical aspects that Whitmore struggled with in his rookie season in the NBA. The Rockets coaching staff valued Whitmore’s decision to participate in the summer league, as it provided them with a close view of his development on the defensive end.
“He’s taken on the responsibility of communicating more on defense,” said Rockets assistant Garrett Jackson during the summer league. “I hope this translates into the regular season. As we play, I want him to remain vocal and engaged just like he is here.”
Encouraging young players, especially those with Whitmore’s blend of athleticism and offensive talent, to consistently embrace defense can be a daunting challenge. He plays with considerable strength and tenacity, applying pressure on opponents. Nonetheless, the coaching staff believes he can effectively utilize those physical attributes on the defensive end as well. If Whitmore mentally commits, he has the potential to become a formidable defender.
“I already think his on-ball defense is quite strong,” commented Rockets head coach Ime Udoka after practice earlier this week. “In your observation about his physicality, it’s true that players aren’t going to deliberately seek him out. However, for most young players, especially, recognizing off-ball situations is crucial. Enhancing his awareness, communication, and allowing the game to slow down for him will be significant. That’s our main focus; we’re striving for comprehensive team defense.”
To his credit—and in alignment with Udoka’s observations—Whitmore’s rookie campaign did not paint him as a defensive liability but rather as a player capable of development. For instance, statistics from Cleaning the Glass indicate that the Rockets maintained a defensive rating of 113.7 during Whitmore’s minutes on the court, in contrast to 112.7 when he was absent. While this isn’t a perfect comparison, it nevertheless shows that Houston’s defense performed like a top-10 unit while Whitmore was playing. It’s also essential to recognize that, due to the team’s structure, he would not be assigned to guard the opponent’s top scorers, enabling him to play a more simplified role and thus operate more efficiently as he gains experience.
While Whitmore’s size and physicality contribute to his overall impact on team defense, his active hands may be even more advantageous within Houston’s half-court setup. According to Second Spectrum, the Rockets concluded the 2023-24 season as a top-five team in terms of deflections, averaging 15.4 per game. Whitmore was responsible for 1.5 of those deflections, placing him on par with starters such as Jabari Smith Jr. (1.
Our transition defense has been a focal point, notably moving from the bottom rank in the league to the top. This was a central topic of discussion for us. As the season progresses, players’ natural tendencies become evident, and it is important not to stifle their strengths. Athletes such as Tari (Eason), Jae’Sean (Tate), and Fred excel at making plays and intercepting passes; we want to encourage these instincts. Our guiding principle has been ‘See a play, make a play.’ We aim to empower these players to exhibit their skills. Our defensive activity has been impressive, and our switching tactics have resulted in many deflections.
Whitmore has consistently emerged as a standout performer in training camp, particularly given Houston’s emphasis on defense. The Rockets’ second unit, featuring talents like Eason, Amen Thompson, and now Steven Adams, is shaping up to be one of the most versatile defensive lineups in the NBA. If Whitmore continues to develop, he will provide an additional physical asset for Udoka.
“He’s been concentrating on defense,” Brooks remarked on Thursday regarding Whitmore’s training camp experience. “That’s been his focus all summer long.”
Access to training camp allows for insights into strategies that will likely carry over into the regular season. During the initial three days of practice, one key phrase has stood out: “inch outs.”
In basic terms, an “inch out” describes the action of a weakside defender responding to strong-side plays. There are various scenarios for its application, but specifically for the Rockets, the focus lies on situations where an opponent is driven to the baseline from one corner and instinctively looks to pass to the opposite corner. Houston aims to capitalize on their propensity for deflections and their ability to “shrink the floor,” limiting the space available to opponents by forcing turnovers or play stoppages.
For instance, in one training camp clip, Whitmore showcases a successful inch out against Matisse Thybulle (24). Despite his primary assignment being Thybulle, watch how Whitmore deftly positions himself toward the ball’s path. It’s a strategic risk, but that’s the essence of Udoka’s defensive philosophy.
Last week, Udoka outlined one of their primary objectives: improving their defense against three-point shots. At first glance, it might seem puzzling as to why the Rockets would focus on enhancing their already impressive opponent three-point shooting percentage (33.6 percent according to NBA.com). However, a deeper analysis reveals that some degree of luck influenced this low statistic.
Last season, Houston allowed a fair number of corner and above-the-break three-pointers (ranking in the middle tier for both), yet opponents converted 37 and 34 percent of these attempts, respectively. Furthermore, the Rockets gave up the eighth-highest number of open three-point shots per game but opponents only managed a 33 percent success rate on those opportunities, ranking 28th in the league. It would be imprudent to expect a similar stroke of luck this season; hence, Udoka is relentless in his goal of minimizing opposing teams’ outside shooting.
The training camp footage illustrates lead assistant Ben Sullivan overseeing the inch-out drill. Turn up the volume to catch Sullivan discussing the importance of personnel awareness and the subsequent impact on the weakside defender. This process is a collaborative effort, and when executed properly, it can mitigate problems before they escalate.
“Shift and inch out on the assigned players,” Udoka explained. “One area we sometimes overcommitted to last year was penetrative plays, leading to unnecessary three-point shots. We aim to depend on our individual defensive capabilities and provide assistance when needed. Importantly, this approach is contingent upon
Brooks is well-known for committing fouls against perimeter shooters. The focus here is on proactively addressing issues before they arise — in this case, ensuring that a shot is not attempted at all without causing a foul.
During Tate’s turn in the drill, he unintentionally altered the trajectory of the pass before it could reach the shooter. He expressed regret, stating “I can’t help it!” which relates back to Tate’s knack for creating deflections. Quite interesting, isn’t it?
(Photo: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images)
Cam Whitmore’s Defensive Evolution: A Key Focus for the Houston Rockets in 2023-24
Understanding Cam Whitmore’s Defensive Skill Set
Cam Whitmore, the promising young talent of the Houston Rockets, has garnered attention for not only his offensive prowess but also his evolving defensive capabilities. As the team prepares for the 2023-24 NBA season, Whitmore’s defensive development is becoming increasingly crucial for the Rockets’ success.
### Key Defensive Traits
– **Athleticism**: Whitmore’s explosive athleticism enables him to guard multiple positions effectively. His speed and agility allow him to stay in front of opponents, making it difficult for them to penetrate.
– **Instincts**: His natural basketball IQ enhances his ability to anticipate plays, leading to timely steals and deflections. Whitmore’s awareness on the court contributes significantly to his defensive impact.
– **Physicality**: Standing at 6’7″ with a solid build, he can hold his own against stronger players. This physicality is essential when defending against bigger forwards or guards.
Focus Areas for Improvement
While Whitmore has shown impressive potential, there are specific areas where he can enhance his game to become a more formidable defender.
### Defensive Footwork
– **Lateral Movement**: Improving lateral quickness will allow him to stay in front of quicker guards and wings.
– **Pace Control**: Mastering the balance between aggressive defense and maintaining proper distance can prevent fouls and create better defensive positioning.
### Defensive Awareness
– **Help Defense**: Being in the right position to assist teammates is vital. Whitmore should focus on reading the game more effectively to anticipate teammates’ needs.
– **Communication**: Developing stronger on-court communication skills will improve the overall defensive cohesion of the team.
Implementation of Defensive Strategies
To capitalize on Whitmore’s defensive evolution, the Rockets are likely to implement specific strategies aimed at enhancing his skills.
### Defensive Schemes
– **Switching Defense**: The Rockets’ system may include more switching on screens, allowing Whitmore to leverage his versatility by guarding different types of players.
– **Zone Defense**: Incorporating zone defense in certain situations can help Whitmore use his athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots.
### Training Regimen
– **Drills Focused on Footwork**: Incorporating specific footwork drills can enhance his lateral movement and overall agility.
– **Film Study**: Regular film sessions will help Whitmore analyze his defensive plays, enabling him to learn from both successes and mistakes.
Case Studies: Player Comparisons
Examining the defensive evolution of successful players can provide insights into Whitmore’s potential trajectory.
| Player | Initial Defensive Weaknesses | Evolution Strategy | Current Strengths |
|—————–|———————————-|—————————————–|————————————-|
| **Matisse Thybulle** | Poor positioning and fouls | Focused on body control and footwork | Elite perimeter defense |
| **Jaden Ivey** | Lack of defensive awareness | Improved communication and anticipation | Strong one-on-one defender |
| **OG Anunoby** | Struggled against physicality | Added strength training and technique | Versatile and tough defender |
Whitmore can draw inspiration from these players, focusing on similar training techniques and strategies to enhance his defensive game.
Benefits of Defensive Development
Focusing on Cam Whitmore’s defensive evolution offers multiple advantages for both him and the Houston Rockets.
### Team Benefits
- **Increased Defensive Efficiency**: A stronger defensive presence can lead to lower opponent scoring averages, which is critical in close games.
– **Transition Opportunities**: By forcing turnovers, Whitmore can help the team in fast-break situations, leveraging their offensive talent.
### Player Benefits
– **Enhanced Playing Time**: By improving his defense, Whitmore increases his chances of being on the court during crucial moments.
– **Overall Player Growth**: A well-rounded game makes a player more valuable, leading to better contract opportunities and career longevity.
Practical Tips for Cam Whitmore
As Whitmore embarks on enhancing his defensive skills, here are some practical tips to consider:
1. **Daily Drills**: Incorporate daily defensive drills focusing on footwork, positioning, and agility.
2. **Mentorship**: Seek guidance from experienced defenders on the team to learn tips and tricks that can accelerate his development.
3. **Regular Feedback**: Work closely with coaches to receive constructive criticism and adjust techniques accordingly.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Coaches and Players
Insights from coaches and teammates can provide a deeper understanding of Whitmore’s development process. During training camp, coaches have noted his dedication to improving:
– **Coach’s Perspective**: “Cam has shown a willingness to learn and adapt. His commitment to defense will be key for our strategy going forward.”
– **Teammate Feedback**: “Playing alongside Cam is exciting. He can guard anyone, and his energy on defense fuels the rest of us.”
Conclusion
As the Houston Rockets head into the 2023-24 NBA season, Cam Whitmore’s defensive evolution will be a crucial focus. By addressing his defensive weaknesses and implementing effective strategies, Whitmore has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Rockets’ defensive unit. His growth in this area will not only enhance his individual performance but also significantly contribute to the team’s overall success. With the right approach, Whitmore can transform into a dynamic two-way player, making a lasting impact on the Rockets and the league as a whole.
