Rockets rookie White accepts D-League post

HOUSTON, Texas (AFP) –

Roger Mason Jr. of the New Orleans Hornets drives the ball around Royce White of the Houston Rockets in a pre-season game on October 24, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tensions between the Houston Rockets and first-round draft pick White eased Saturday when the NBA team lifted White’s suspension and he would report to the Developmental League.

Tensions between the Houston Rockets and first-round draft pick Royce White eased Saturday when the NBA team lifted White’s suspension and he would report to the Developmental League.

White had originally refused to accept an assignment to the D-League, but will now report to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on February 11.

The Rockets said in a statement the parties had “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.”

White was the 16th overall selection in the NBA draft last June after leading his Iowa State University team in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks.

But he has yet to play in a game for the Rockets in part because he suffers from social anxiety disorder and his condition includes a fear of flying.

The 21-year-old and the team had been at odds over how to handle his condition medically.

Before suspending White, the Rockets had fined him for missing training and failing to attend sessions with a team-assigned doctor.