Houston, TX (Sports Network) - The standoff between the Houston Rockets and
rookie forward Royce White was eased on Saturday when the team announced it
had lifted White's suspension.
White, who originally refused to accept an assignment to the NBA Developmental
League, will report to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on February 11.
In a press release issued by the Rockets, the team said it "reached an
agreement that addresses the major issues that they have been discussing,
provides a new start, and gives Royce the best opportunity for long term
success as a Houston Rocket.
"This has been a learning process for both parties. The NBA and the National
Basketball Players Association have approved the settlement."
White, the 16th overall pick in last June's draft, has yet to play in a game
for the Rockets in part due to a complex social anxiety disorder. The 21-year-
old and the team have been at odds over how to medically handle his condition,
which includes a fear of flying.
White had been assigned to the Vipers on Dec. 29, but did not report. The
Rockets had also previously fined the Iowa State product for missing practices
and not attending sessions with a team-assigned physician.
During his lone season at Iowa State in 2011-12, White was the only player in
the country to lead his team in scoring (13.4 ppg), rebounding (9.3 rpg),
assists (5.0 apg), steals (1.2 spg) and blocks (0.9 bpg).
The Sports Network