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Houston Rockets: Ranking the last 10 first round picks

By Corey Rausch

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 30: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets dunks against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on October 30, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 30: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets dunks against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on October 30, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Houston Rockets (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Houston Rockets (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

10. Royce White

Royce White had a ton of potential. In his single season at Iowa State University he averaged 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks on shooting splits of .534/.333/.498. He was ahead of his time in many ways, being a stretch forward with playmaking ability and the potential to grow in Houston. Anxiety issues derailed everything.

Ultimately White would only play in three games in the league and not until the 2013-2014 season. He never suited up for the Rockets. His severe anxiety issues kept him from flying to travel to games, taking a bus from game to game while participating in the G-League.

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The loss of potential here is truly depressing for anyone who watched White at Iowa State. He was shipped to Philadelphia after his first year under contract with the Houston Rockets as part of a salary slashing move to make room to bring in Dwight Howard. Thus begins the trend on this list of Morey moving off of young prospects quickly for star-chasing moves.

The Howard era did not exactly go as planned but he was still an impressive addition. In his first year in Houston, the team went 54-28 and Howard made an All-Star team (his last appearance) and he averaged 18.3 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. The following season the big man would struggle with injuries but the team would make it to the Conference Finals, prior to losing to the Warriors.

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