Royce White reaches agreement with Houston Rockets over travel schedule, reports for training camp – NBA News
After missing the first week of training camp, Royce White finally joined the Houston Rockets on Monday after his travelling issue with the team was resolved. White, the 16th overall pick by the Rockets in this year’s
draft, suffers from anxiety issues and obsessive compulsive disorder which makes it difficult for him to travel through airplane. After attending the rookie orientation programme, White thought it was necessary for him to have a travelling arrangement with
the Rockets before the season started, as he knew it was going to be difficult for him to fly every time for each game. Hence, he did not join the team for training camp last week and instead, requested them to allow him to travel by bus for games that were
closer.
The Rockets came through for White and after reaching an understanding with the rookie regarding his travel arrangements, White was glad to be on court practicing with the Rockets.
“He's got to catch up on what we're doing. It's always hard when you're a young guy and you miss early camp practice, when you're trying to establish your principles and what you're doing. But he'll be fine,” said Rockets head
coach Kevin McHale.
White was one of the most promising talents to participate in this year’s NBA Draft. He had a spectacular season with Iowa State, where he averaged 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks per game, leading
his team in all categories. Although his medical situation was known well before the Draft and scouts had raised a red flag on him, the Rockets still thought he was too good a player to pass, and decided to take a risk by picking him. Since then, the organization
has been supportive of him and gone to great lengths to make him feel comfortable and make this situation work. The most recent flexibility shown by the Rockets shows their commitment towards the rookie, and now he can also concentrate on basketball and become
a vital member of the team.
"He has a unique skill set. We don't really have anybody who can do what he can do. More importantly, we're thankful that he's healthy and with the team. He learned a lot today. He didn't look like he missed too much,” said Rockets
point guard Jeremy Lin.
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