HispanicBusiness

Houston Rockets rookie forward Royce White said on Twitter Thursday he is leaving the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and is headed back to Houston on the advice of a team doctor.

White is not returning to the Rockets, just Houston.

"Have been advised by our team physician it is most logical I be in Houston the remainder of the season. Thank you (at) rgvvipers for having me," White said via Twitter.

He later clarified his status with the Rockets: "Never said I'd be rejoining the Houston Rockets ... only that I'd be returning to Houston. Again, thank you Vipers for having me."

The Rockets declined to comment on White's tweets. A Rockets' spokesman told The Associated Press White is still on the Vipers' roster. Unless he's recalled by the Rockets, White could possibly play for the Vipers later this season. Because White is on an NBA assignment, he does not take up a roster spot from the Vipers.

White, who was drafted 16th overall in the 2012 NBA draft out of Iowa State, was on assignment to the Vipers. White played in 12 games, averaging 9.6 points and 5.6 rebounds.

White suffers from generalized anxiety disorder. White has not played a regular season game for the Rockets and was away from the team for 2 { months as the two parties clashed on how best to handle his mental health issues. A big sticking point was White's fear of flying. He insisted on being driven to games when possible.

White was driven to road games during this brief stint with the Vipers. Destinations included Santa Cruz, Calif., Idaho and Reno. He was expected to be driven to the Vipers road trip this weekend at Erie, Pa. on Saturday and Fort Wayne, Ind. on Sunday.

The Rockets assigned White to the Vipers on Dec. 29. He was suspended by the Rockets a week later after he did not report to the Valley. He was reinstated on Jan. 26 and reported to the Vipers on Feb. 11.