Former Houston Rockets guards Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore, who were both traded in the offseason, have expressed intentions to play revenge games against their former team. Green was traded to the Phoenix Suns in the blockbuster deal for Kevin Durant, while Whitmore was sent to the Washington Wizards for two second-round draft picks and cash considerations. NBA analyst Jeff Teague recently predicted that Whitmore is more likely to dominate the Rockets in his revenge game than Green, citing several key factors behind his assessment.
Jeff Teague’s View on the Rivalry Between Ex-Rockets Guards
On his Club 520 podcast, Jeff Teague offered his perspective on which guard poses a greater threat to the Rockets this season, drawing attention to the different circumstances surrounding their trades. Teague humorously pointed out the discrepancy in their trade value by stating,
“But you ain’t get traded for KD though.. Cam Whitmore got traded for cash, right? Second round pick or something,”
highlighting how Whitmore’s situation reflects a lesser role in Houston’s plans.
Despite that, Teague sees Whitmore as the player who will likely
“kill Houston when he plays them,”
expressing doubt about Green having the same impact. He emphasized the competitive nature of the Rockets’ new coach, Ime Udoka, who remains motivated to prove his team’s growth.
“Ime [Udoka] be hype for sh** like that. Oh Ime, he competitive like he’d be hyped for sh** like that,”
Teague said.
Teague also referenced how Udoka made a significant impact in Boston, recalling Kyrie Irving’s remarks about Udoka’s ability to dominate former teams.
“You see how he did Boston? Heard Kyrie talk about it. When he left Brooklyn and got to Boston, he had Brooklyn’s number. We got something for you, buddy,”
Teague noted, suggesting that Udoka’s competitive mindset will influence how the Rockets face their former players.
Ime Udoka’s Role in Shaping the Rockets’ Current Team
Ime Udoka’s arrival has been pivotal in transforming the Rockets into potential championship contenders, revamping their culture since day one. Jeff Teague highlighted how Udoka’s strong competitive nature likely means he is preparing detailed game plans to counter both Green and Whitmore, though more so against Green’s Suns. Since Green was once considered a franchise cornerstone for Houston, Udoka’s approach indicates a desire to prove the team has moved on successfully without him.
In contrast, the Wizards matchup appears less threatening, as Whitmore had a smaller role during his time with Houston. According to Teague, the Rockets’ coaching staff probably doesn’t view Whitmore as a serious challenge, given his peripheral status within the team when traded.
Comparing Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore’s Performances with the Rockets
During the 2024-25 NBA season, Jalen Green played every game for Houston, averaging 21 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. Despite consistent regular-season play, his contributions declined in the playoffs, where he averaged just 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in the Rockets’ opening round exit against the Golden State Warriors. This dip in performance, especially under playoff pressure, stands in contrast to expectations from a former franchise player.
Cam Whitmore, meanwhile, appeared in only 51 games, averaging 9.4 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist in roughly 16 minutes per game. The Rockets limited his opportunities to develop, which could have hampered his potential to shine. Now with the Wizards, Whitmore may find a bigger role and potentially surpass Green in terms of impact.
Why Whitmore Could Deliver a Stronger Revenge Performance
Jeff Teague’s prediction about Whitmore’s looming revenge performance rests partly on the possibility of a breakout season aided by increased playing time with Washington. He imagines Whitmore putting up 30 to 40 points in a revenge game against Houston, capitalizing on the motivation to prove his value after being traded for modest assets. Meanwhile, Udoka’s coaching style and competitive edge further suggest the Rockets will be well-prepared to counter Green and the Suns.
Although Teague’s view leans toward Whitmore as the bigger threat, he acknowledges Green’s own motivation and chip on his shoulder, recalling that the Rockets once revolved around Green during the Stephen Silas era. The cultural change ushered in by Udoka eventually led to Green’s departure, and Green may still aim to make a statement against his former team.
Ultimately, while Udoka is likely to have elaborate game plans for the Suns, making Green’s task more challenging, Whitmore’s untapped potential and desire to prove himself could lead to a surprising and dominant revenge game that catches Houston off guard.