When the management of the Rockets received a tempting offer that could bring immediate combat power, Udoka cut off the possibility of the trade like a superhero stepping forward. Why? Because this offer involved a treasure he desperately wanted to protect - Whitmore! Whitmore is not just a simple rookie in the Rockets; he is the kind of player who shines even when his playing time is compressed during his rookie season. Averaging 12.3 points per game, this statistic is not to be taken lightly among rookies, especially considering the relatively lesser playing time. Udoka sees the potential star in this young man and is eager to nurture him. When Stone received a proposal to trade a third overall pick plus Whitmore for a quasi All-Star, Udoka immediately called and declared, "Forget it, we're keeping Whitmore!" The resoluteness in this phone call was akin to a declaration of sovereignty, leaving Stone with no choice but to accept the decision. One might say, isn't Udoka being too indulgent towards Whitmore? But looking at it from another perspective, this might just be a wise decision. Consider Jaylen Brown, who had an average first year but skyrocketed in his second, with a growth curve as thrilling as a roller coaster. Udoka may have seen the same potential for a breakout in Whitmore. Moreover, Udoka not only supports Whitmore over the phone but also goes all out in action. Whenever the opportunity arises, he emphasizes Whitmore's outstanding performance and importance in front of the media, and even at the end-of-season summary meeting, he formulated…