Whitmore Finding Minutes in Washington; Coulibaly Progressing; Franz Wagner Masks Up; Howard Waits for Chance; Sexton Sits Late
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HOUSTON — Two seasons after arriving as the 20th pick in the 2023 draft, forward Cam Whitmore never carved out a consistent role with the Rockets. Before Wednesday’s matchup against Washington at Toyota Center, Houston head coach Ime Udoka said roster depth and performance swings limited the 20-year-old’s minutes.
“We’ve kind of always had depth since I’ve been here, and he got caught in that shuffle,” Udoka told reporters. “Happy for the opportunity he’s getting now.”
Whitmore was shipped to the Wizards in July for two second-round selections, a move that likely spared him an even tighter rotation following Houston’s Kevin Durant trade. After a slow start in Washington, he has posted 19 and 20 points in his past two outings.
Wizards
Head coach Brian Keefe said forward Bilal Coulibaly is improving after a bruised left calf. The 2023 lottery pick participated in limited drills at Wednesday’s morning shootaround but missed his fourth straight game. Keefe did not provide a return date.
Magic
Forward Franz Wagner intends to wear a protective mask for “a couple games” after reportedly breaking his nose Monday, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Wagner was not listed on Wednesday’s injury report for the game in New York. Teammate Paolo Banchero said Wagner “looks savage with the mask” and praised his toughness.
Guard Jett Howard, whose fourth-year option was declined last month, logged 19 minutes in Monday’s win over Portland after rarely playing earlier in the season. “I’m just trying to stay mentally level and control what I can control,” he said.
Hornets
Charlotte has leaned on offseason addition Collin Sexton for scoring punch, yet the guard has often been on the bench during crunch time. The Charlotte Observer detailed head coach decisions that have limited Sexton’s late-game floor time despite his overall impact.
Source: Hoops Rumors
