Rockets’ Ime Udoka: Cam Whitmore likely to return early from injury
Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said Wednesday that rookie Cam Whitmore is close to returning from a sprained lateral collateral ligament in his right knee.
Whitmore sustained the injury on March 10 in a win over the Sacramento Kings. Two days later, Udoka said that Whitmore would likely miss three weeks, but left the door open for him to return early based on his recovery from treatment.
The 20th pick began doing some spot-shooting last week and is now progressing toward returning to contact practice. He has a couple of more hurdles to clear but will likely return before the initial three-week timeline, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
Cam Whitmore is edging closer to a return, per Udoka. Says he’ll likely return before the original 3-week timeline.
“He’s young, heals fast.”
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) March 27, 2024
Whitmore is averaging 12.1 points and 3.9 rebounds on 36.1% shooting from 3-point range in 38 games this season with the Rockets. He has recorded four 20-point games, including a career-high 25 points and six rebounds on Feb. 2.
He started the year in the G League, logging 13 appearances with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He entered the rotation with the Rockets at the start of January and had played in every game, with the exception of three last month due to an ankle injury.
Whitmore has emerged as a key rotation player over the second half of the season. The team is also dealing with injuries to Tari Eason (leg) and Alperen Sengun (ankle) and looks forward to his return.
