#basketbball

Imagine all your life, you've waited for this moment. Dreamed about it since you were a kid. You've watched those before you perfect the craft you love. You've seen many of them come and go; you've seen some become icons; But now, in this moment, your name is called. "With the 16th pick, the Houston Rockets select..." And there it is. You've done it. A dream millions of people wish for, and you get called. But there's one little hitch - An anxiety disorder has a tendency to manipulate your daily life. In this case, you are Royce White.

Royce White (Getty Images)

If you don't know the back story on Royce White, here are your 'Cliff Notes':

•Royce White was the 16th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft

•Royce White has been diagnosed with anxiety disorders which can be spurred on at any moment. 

•He has an issue with flying, and therefore, does very minimal air travel.

•The Houston Rockets organization has been working with him regarding his condition, in efforts of finding a solution.

•On Sunday, reports surfaced that White was suspended for failing to provide services, after refusing to play for Houston's D-League team.

Now I'm sure your first thought was, why in the world would this guy enter the draft knowing NBA teams play a total of 82 games, with about 50% of those contests on the road. Perhaps another may ask, did the Rockets know about his condition? And if so, why would they proceed in drafting him knowing that he had this? 

A: I'm pretty sure Mr. White wasn't going to let anything stop him from playing in the NBA.

B: White had been very vocal about his anxiety disorder, making sure that everyone was aware of his condition. So yes, the Rockets organization was fully aware. 

With all the information the Rockets had on White, they were still willing to work with him.  Already I thought, wow, it's really great of them to go the extra mile for him (either these guys really really care and have taken a liking to this guy, or he's really REALLY good);  Because they could've easily passed on him and gone for another player. I'm assuming when the Rockets say, "work with him" they mean providing specialists and therapy to work on his problem, not to mention letting him take the bus and train to certain games. Now this is where it gets a little foggy. White started missing training camp practices, blaming it on disagreements with the Rockets front office; Per his tweets and radio interview. White was not willing to practice until a revised mental health protocol between medical staff and the team organization was put in place. From what I've read in other reports, he's basically written out a list of demands of him and his doctors, that he'd like the organization to adhere by.  What are those demands? As of now, people close to White have advised that this document is confidential.

(INSERT LILKA'S TWO CENTS)

Honestly, this young man is one of hundreds of players, in a league that millions would give an arm and a leg to play in.  Now, I'm not going to be like the imbeciles tweeting White the nastiest of comments (you can follow him on Twitter at @Highway_30).  But I will say, it's hard to find a common ground when you're coming in and trying to make an organization conform to YOUR needs. I'm not saying that his needs are not important, they in fact are.  Mental Health is a major issue that needs to be addressed, and I am glad that he is serious about getting help for his condition, and being vocal about creating an awareness for people suffering from mental health issues; But, is the National Basketball Association the place for you to chain yourself to the door, and make your own demands (mind you, you haven't brought anything to your team nor the league as yet), in efforts to get people to notice the importance of mental health care?  

In a league where the NBA Commissioner wouldn't even let Chris Paul be traded from the New Orleans Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers, does an organization implement a new process for an NBA rookie? While the Rockets continue to put out their generic press statements, that they are still willing to work with White, it seems that they are on their last fuse.  A week ago, before his suspension, the Rockets asked White to play with their D-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where the travel is significantly lighter.  Once White did not comply, the Rockets proceeded with the suspension saying that White has refused to provide services which is stipulated in his contract. 

Mr. White, you are playing with fire.  I understand that you are looking out for your best interests in your health;  But perhaps, this is not the place to succeed with that agenda.  Put it this way; When there's an employment position open, a job posting usually goes up.  In that posting, there's a description of the position, a list of the responsibilities, and finally a rundown of the qualifications the applicant should have.  Now in some cases, an applicant may exceed in one area, which may let employers overlook an area where they may not be so strong.  In White's case, he applied to play in the best basketball league in the world.  A league where you are under extreme pressure mentally and physically, from the minute you get that call.  A place, where you are on stage inside and outside the lines.  Where judgement is passed on you on the smallest of things.  While playing in the NBA is a dream, it's also cut-throat; And if any type of situation or environment can randomly spur an anxiety attack, you may want to rethink your career goals.

You always want to hope for the best for players in these types of situations.  I'm sure this guy really wants to play the game; But perhaps, Royce White applied for the wrong job. 

What are your thoughts?  Should the Houston Rockets listen to what he's proposing?