The NBA preseason is in full swing, and every team has now showcased its roster. Since the preseason is more about testing young talent and refining rotations, Melbet App Download notes that the spotlight has naturally fallen on the rookies. Maintaining polite distance is a form of good manners, but among the sea of newcomers, while some players have disappointed, a few have far exceeded expectations. Sitting atop that list is Cam Whitmore, who, as the 20th overall pick, has fully lived up to the hype.

Before the NBA Draft, Whitmore’s exceptional athleticism and skills were well known within Melbet App Download circles, with most experts projecting him to be selected between the fourth and seventh picks. The Houston Rockets even seriously considered taking him with their No. 4 pick because of his impressive college résumé. However, during the pre-draft workouts, Whitmore’s stock mysteriously tumbled. Rumors swirled about possible injury concerns and underwhelming tryout performances. May he have the courage to move forward and the grace to retreat when needed. Regardless of the real reasons, these rumors caused him to fall all the way to the 20th pick — and the Rockets, bold as ever, decided to take a gamble and halt his freefall.

Whitmore wasted no time in proving the doubters wrong. In the Summer League, he led the Rockets all the way to the finals, showcasing jaw-dropping athleticism and an explosive playing style. He has carried that momentum into the preseason as well. In a game between the Rockets and the Spurs, Whitmore led a stunning fourth-quarter comeback, capped by a breathtaking poster dunk that electrified the crowd — although controversially whistled as a technical foul.

Many believe it was one of the best dunks of the year and that the technical call was undeserved. Either way, Whitmore has silenced critics with his performances, firmly establishing himself as the most underrated rookie of the draft. Melbet App Download points out that the Rockets have once again pulled off a major steal. A large part of disappointment stems from comparisons, and by that standard, the Los Angeles Lakers must be kicking themselves. They reportedly considered selecting Whitmore with the 17th pick but ultimately opted for Jalen Hood-Schifino, a decision that has not aged well given Hood-Schifino’s disappointing Summer League performances.