Former Gopher Royce White’s NBA future in question

Mar 17, 2012; Louisville, KY, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Royce White (30) pressures Kentucky Wildcats forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second half in the third round of the 2012 NCAA men

The Houston Rockets seem to have forgotten about their 16th overall draft pick, Royce White.

White, 2009 Minnesota Mr. Basketball from Hopkins High School, has not played a game this regular season and neither White nor the Rockets have come to any kind of agreement as to how to deal with his anxiety disorder and mental health.

One of three first-round draft picks for the Rockets in 2012, White played basketball at Iowa State last year, leading them to the NCAA Tournament. He committed to the Gophers after high school but trouble with the law forced him to leave Minnesota.

“He hasn’t been around,” said Kevin McHale, Houston’s head coach and Gopher basketball legend. He was in town on Wednesday to play the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Rockets have a 16-14 record without White, good enough for third in the Southwest Division.

White’s 2012 salary is $1.6 million.