This feels like Deja Vu, it wasn't the pick I would have made but it was a solid pick nonetheless. Royce White is a jack of all trades, a 5-tool player to steal a baseball term. White can do it all on the court but it'll be interesting to see what spot the Rockets play him at. White has the height of a small forward but lacks the outside shooting. He plays more of a point-power forward type of game, but at just 6-8, I doubt he can play starters minutes at that spot; especially on the defensive end. White is a strong, physical athlete who runs the court well, attacks the basket aggressively, and can lead the break with great passing ability for a player at his position. Reminds me a little of Shawn Marion or Lamar Odom; a guy that can be a match-up nightmare but doesn't have a natural position. Against smaller defenders White has the ability to post up and use his big frame and physical game to overpower his man. Against power forwards, White can beat the slower defender off the dribble.
White averaged 13 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block per game last season at Iowa State. Biggest concern is his shooting ability. White is a good mid-range shooter but doesn't have 3-point range and is a very poor free throw shooter (49%). Other big concern is his anxiety disorder and some off-the-court issues he had before going to Iowa State. White was a risky pick, but with his potential I believe it was a risk worth taking. That is of course if they keep all their picks.