Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie has struck again, this time taking Royce White from the Houston Rockets for future draft considerations, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Royce White never suited up and played a game for Houston as he struggled to battle his anxiety issues and work out a strategy with the Rockets front office. Royce and the front office constantly disagreed on arrangements and as a result, he was shopped out to any potential suitors.
The salary dump by Houston is possibly to clear cap space for the incoming Dwight Howard, who is set to join James Harden in H-Town, if reports are to be believed. White was set to make $1.7 million next season, so to rid of his salary gives Houston that little bit more flexibility.
What does this move mean for the 76ers?
Well, it’s a no-risk, huge possible reward move. If the team and White can’t battle his anxiety issues, the 76ers have given up nothing of any real value to acquire him, so it’s no real loss. He’s also an expiring contract as of next year, which means he could be flipped again for something else. However, if he puts it together and the Sixers carefully manage him, they have a genuine lottery talent on their hands. Sam Hinkie worked with White in Houston, which suggests the motive for trading for the former Iowa State forward.
The odds of Royce White being a franchise cornerstone are slim, but the odds of him doing anything damaging to the franchise are 0%.
— Michael Levin (@Michael_Levin) July 6, 2013
Philly is in full rebuilding mode. They can afford to take a chance on a player like Royce White. Coming out of the 2012 NBA Draft, White was considered one of the top talents — his passing ability and court vision for a big man is enticing — but his anxiety issues were a huge red flag for any teams drafting. Being in rebuilding mode, Hinkie and the team can be very patient with White. They are not going to be in a playoff race like the Rockets were last year. There will be no pressure on White, which should help with his anxiety; he’ll go under the radar as Philadelphia will be one of the worst teams in the league next season.
The Sixers’ D-League team, the Delaware 87ers, are also a key part of the deal. One would think White will spend time playing for the Sevens and their are located a drivable distance away from the Wells Fargo Center.
All in all, Philadelphia are better positioned that Houston to try to accommodate someone like White. If it works, great, Philly have another young stud. If not, then they didn’t give up anything noteworthy.