Ex-Rockets 1st-rounder White leads team to NBL Canada title
The London Lightning claimed the National Basketball League of Canada title Monday night, and they were led by a name that might be familiar to some NBA fans.
Royce White, who saw his brief Association career derailed in part due to mental health issues, scored 34 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in London's 129-116 clinching win over the Halifax Hurricanes. White was also named NBL MVP this season.
The 6-foot-8 power forward was taken with the 16th pick of the 2012 draft by the Houston Rockets, but had severe anxiety issues about flying. He was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers and ultimately waived, before playing three games for the Sacramento Kings in 2014.
White has been outspoken in his advocacy for mental health issues, and the 26-year-old has expressed a desire to return to the NBA.