Houston Rockets Reinstate Royce White

The Houston Rockets have lifted Royce White's suspension and reinstated him, allowing him to play in the NBA Development League.

The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen broke the news via Twitter: 

White and the Rockets have been entangled in a publicly fought battle regarding the rookie's mental health issues. White was suspended without pay for refusing to accept the team's initial decision to send him to the D-League.

White will most likely make his debut with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets' D-League affiliate, on Feb. 22.  He is due to report to the team on Feb. 11.

White's biggest concern is that the Rockets are not giving him the attention he needs for his anxiety disorder. Both sides have been working toward a solution in which everyone will benefit. 

For White, the issue has been how the team has reacted to and dealt with his mental health (via USA Today): 

"

I have not always showed up for practice, but every time I didn't show up for practice, it was a medical reason. I'm sure they wouldn't want to hear that James Harden broke his ankle either. But there's a health reality that exists.

"

The Rockets drafted the 6'8" point-forward with the 16th overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft despite concerns over his mental health issues. 

Houston has relied heavily on Patrick Patterson and Marcus Morris to handle duties at the power forward position, but they could use another young talent to give them more depth.

Depending on how he fares in the D-League, White could feasibly rejoin the Rockets before the All-Star break. At the least, expect to see him with the team before the regular season comes to a close.