I think we made the same point at nearly the same time - a more experienced Cam gives you the same uber athlete as Jalen but with more consistent shooting and better defensive versatility. A slumping Jalen is still better than inexperienced Cam right now, but agree that Cam is a better fit for what Udoka is trying to do if he can guard bigs too on account of his strength.
You generally aren't going to see him taking shots you don't want him to take in a video that only shows the makes. He played a lot of hero ball in college for sure and there was definitely some of that later in the summer league after they pulled Jabari and Amen. I agree though that he has been a much more willing passer since the season has started - no doubt Cam recognizes Udoka is going to send him to the bench if he doesn't play the team basketball Udoka preaches. FWIW, I was calling for this last year under Silas when Jabari was struggling so much and Udoka is now doing it with these young guys - you get the ball and you just need to make a decision to pass it on, drive, or shoot. There is no holding the ball and surveying the defense in Udoka's offense unless you are Fred or Sengun. Cam is similarly being held accountable to that style and I think that's for the best for him. What I find REALLY interesting the last few games is that Amen appears to have a little more leeway to probe and survey as well. I think that's super interesting but makes sense because Amen is not ultimately looking to get his own shot but is trying to set up others.
I saw a video of Cam in a summer league game a few weeks ago and commented here if he can continue the sharp shooting in the NBA (and eliminate iso crossovers), he has a place in the Rockets rotation. I'm shocked by how good a spot up shooter he is. Add on some slashing to basket and Udoka has something to work with the rest of the season.
He held onto the ball too long - and had issues defensively knowing where to be and anticipate. Those problems go back to college. Part of the issue in college was that he had been hurt and had a terrible coach. During practice and the summer he had the same issues. They sent him to Rio Grande to work on playing smart, playing offensively and defensively in a system. So far he has made really good improvements in those areas. From what I understand, at this point they want to make it a habit so he doesn’t slip back into being a ball stopper or blowing defensive plays. Udoka is very consistent and straight forward, which is perfect for Whitmore - he has actually said before that he likes straight forward people.
Man, I'm so happy we have Udoka as a coach. We went from the bottom cellar to the penthouse of coaching.
The truth is everyone should be coaching like a professional......the NBA standard is not really that high when people like Silas can walk in and out of the door....
He is a gifted natural shooter. It’s one of the only real positives from his college season. He was more of a 3/4 in high school, so most of his shots were mid range or closer and lots of isolation…. As the level of competition has gone up, he has been pushed more outside because of his height. However, it is the best thing to ever happen to him because with practice, he has become a very capable outside shooter and has improved his handle in traffic as well. Cam has things that he needs to work on, especially in the half court set - but there is a chance he is an absolute monster as a scorer. He has a lot of the pieces needed to score at 3 levels, and between his ability to draw contact and finish and shoot from the perimeter- that can lead to some gaudy scoring averages in this era of basketball.
I don’t think Silas will be an NBA head coach again. I also agree with you that there are many better candidates to be an NBA head coach all around the globe. The one caveat I will give is that Silas was not given the tools or support from the front office to succeed. Stone and Silas were both new at their jobs. Stone undermined Silas repeatedly, from participating in all the practices, to excusing players after Silas said no… to bringing in Porter and Wood. Having said that - Silas was too weak to stand up for himself and his team.
I will never understand why they did not just give Witus a try out ....see how he does....this is a travesty to hire a veteran looking Stone who is already older than Morey but with less credentials as GM..... Inner workings of the Fertittas....to hire a Yes guy.
Well - Stone plays politics better. Stone went out of his way to develop a close relationship with TF and he hyped himself up. It worked - TF wanted Stone. Witus also is very shy, and doesn’t like speaking publicly. He also will not do a lot of the hoop jumping that Stone has had to do. The only real surprise to me is that Eli has stayed in Houston. He has had other opportunities and has remained a Rocket. I still think he will leave in the next year or two. There are two many people around the league that have worked with him and now are in positions of power. Some team is going to offer him a huge budget and promise a high quality of life and he will likely leave.
I wish him the best ....thankful for his contributions and well said, a good life is waiting for him.
Hey guys, I just realized Cam is leading actor in the latest monster movie, I have no idea when did he have time to shoot it:
He's put together pretty well and will only get stronger. Maybe a bigger version of ANT. I may be inclined to think his future could be at the wing/3 in terms of defending. Not sure he can stay in front of some of the premier scoring guards in this league, but Im ready to find out. Jalen is a finesse/rhythm player. We should be using him as a leaker in transition for easy baskets. We should have various alley oops thrown to him per game and he can hopefully settle down into a more consistent shooter. Not sure his frame will accommodate a banging type of style long term, but he does have a knack for getting to the free throw line. Jalen just needs to live in the weight room for a few years and study the game. He's being tasked with playing within structure/system for the first time in his life.
Agreed. I've maintained since college that this has been overstated. I don't see him taking a bunch of bad shots. When you are the best scorer on the floor you SHOULD get more shots than other players. You SHOULD be more aggressive and take shots when they present themselves. I really think with Cam it's a demeanor issues. He's not overly expressive and it looks like he has an attitude or is not engaged. Of course I don't know him personally so maybe he does have attitude issues...But I haven't seen anything to back that up.
He's making shots. Green needs to be a better shooter for his style of play, and it is holding him back. Also, Cam's power helps him more when he gets tunnel vision around rim to still finish while Green's speed doesn't help him when help comes and he gets tunnel vision.
Yeah, I think that may be it. Just a much stronger player. Bumps don't affect him... If Jalen and Whitmore were drafted at the same spot, it really feels like Whitmore would be starting. I think we see it before the season is over.
