Royce

White

White was the Big 12’s Newcomer of the Year this season after transferring from Minnesota to Iowa State. At 6'8/270 with surprisingly strong ball-handling skills, he led the Cyclones in points (13.4), rebounds (9.3), steals (1.2), assists (5.0) and blocks (0.9). On the downside, White shot a woeful 49.8 percent from the free-throw line. He’s projected as a late first-round pick.

White has already been on record stating his desire to play for the team. Joining him at the workout will be Wisconsin guard Jordan Taylor, New Mexico forward Drew Gordon, Michigan State forward Draymond Green and Oakland University guard Reggie Hamilton.

“Who can he guard?,” McHale said. “Offensively, he’s going to make plays. He’s unique: He can handle the ball, he can makes passes, he can make plays.” McHale did add that White will have to do a better job of taking care of the ball, but it sounds like White’s versatility will be utilized by McHale early and often. “I don’t care what position you say he is, he’s going to play the same style.” He’s a guy fantasy owners should watch very closely in training camp.

This is pretty big news, but maybe the Rockets are as displeased with Scola’s lack of shot blocking as his fantasy owners are. This could mean big things for rookie Royce White, while Patrick Patterson would also see a much bigger role without Scola around. Despite his shot blocking deficiency, he’s averaged 14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds in his NBA career and has only missed eight games in five years. He’s going to be a very hot commodity off the amnesty wire. The Rockets are expected to make the move official on Friday, which means it’s not done yet, and this is a clear sign they’re going “all in” in hopes of landing Howard. Lastly, the Mavericks are rumored by Wojo to be targeting Scola, along with Elton Brand, who was waived by the Sixers.

Patterson also mentioned that he’d like to make the All-Defensive team and also is focusing on his post-up game. The Kentucky product received 28.6 minutes per game in his last seven contests last year and has a shot to repeat that allotment this season. He will compete with Marcus Morris and rookie Royce White for the starting power forward spot.

White pulled out of a workout for the Grizzlies due to a knee injury, but that was not considered a serious concern. Speculation is growing that White may have a promise from a team and that is why he pulled out of his remaining workouts, but it’s difficult to put too much stock into any of these reports with the draft less than a week away. White remains likely to be a mid-to-late first-round pick.

White, the No. 16 pick in the 2012 draft, looked very impressive during summer league and could be one of the bigger steals of the class. White should push for considerable minutes at power forward immediately and would be an intriguing fantasy flier if he winds up with the starting job.

White’s struggles with anxiety and a somewhat troubled past have been well-chronicled and are overblown. He is a versatile big man with the ability to both score and pass, and with his size and strength he rebounds and can bang with opposing bigs. His lateral quickness, motor on defense, and lack of a jump shot are the primary concerns. It’s still unclear what the Rockets are doing as a part of their overall draft strategy, with only Marcus Camby set to man the center spot and Dwight Howard on the tips of their tongues.

“I have anxiety and 18 percent of Americans have it, as well,” he said. “I like talking about it because there are other people out there who need help and draw inspiration from athletes or whoever it may be that is talking about it.” There have been some concerns with White because of the disorder, but it’s commendable that he’s willing to open up and discuss his anxiety in open forum. He’s a projected first-round pick.

The T-Wolves pick at No. 18 overall, and that’s right around the place where many have projected White to go off the board. It’s interesting that White would be so forthcoming about his desire, and he’ll have to explain his comments to other teams interested in bringing him in before the June 28 draft.