Some may remember Royce White as the Rockets first-round draft pick in 2012. Others may have seen the 6-8 forward in the Big 3 in recent years.

White, however, is taking on a new role in 2024 as the Republican Senate nominee in Minnesota. Yes, you read that correctly. The former Iowa State standout will be on the ballot in November after winning the GOP primary for U.S. Senate on Tuesday.

White isn’t the first nor will he be the last unconventional political candidate. Nonetheless, it’s always noteworthy when a former athlete trades the field or court for political playing grounds.

Here’s how White went from an NBA player to the Minnesota Republican Senate nominee.

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Royce White NBA career and stats

White was considered a “great NBA prospect” with “exceptional” ball-handling and the ability to play in the open court and attack the rim.

The Rockets saw potential in the 6-8 forward from Iowa State, selecting him 16th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. White, however, never played for Houston, nor did he play much in the NBA at all.

White opened up about his mental health struggles and fear of flying, which caused a serious problem for the rookie. He didn’t want to fly to road games with the Rockets, which ultimately led him to never playing for the organization.

The Rockets traded him to the 76ers in July 2013, but Philadelphia waived him later that year in October. The Kings gave White a chance in March 2014 with two 10-day contracts. He played three games, failing to record a stat other than a shot attempt and two fouls. That was the end of his NBA career. White played a few seasons overseas before joining the Big 3.

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He’s since switched gears entirely, entering the political realm in his home state of Minnesota. White ran in the GOP primary for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022 but lost.

White entered the GOP primary for the Senate in 2024, defeating Joe Fraser to earn the nomination. The former NBA player will appear on the ballot in November against Democratic incumbent Amy Klobuchar.

White, 33, has been a major advocate for raising mental health awareness. He speaks from personal experience, detailing the start of his NBA career in 2012.

Royce White controversy

While White has been a voice raising mental health awareness, he’s also had his fair share of controversy throughout his political campaigns over the past few years.

He has been condemned for comments that are considered “misogynistic, homophobic, antisemitic, and profane.” Many also question his allegiance to former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

“He has a lot of courage to say things that many people won’t say,” White said of Jones.

White has also been accused of misusing “donor’s money to benefit himself.” White has denied any wrongdoing, including the alleged strip club spending.

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Royce White NBA stats

White played just three games in the NBA during the 2013-14 season. While the Rockets drafted him in 2012, the Iowa State forward never played for the team due to mental health issues and not wanting to fly.

He signed two 10-day contracts with the Sacramento Kings before concluding his NBA career. Here are his total stats from those three games.

Royce White college stats

White played one full season of college hoops over the course of three years. He began at Minnesota, playing just one game before falling into legal trouble.

The forward was “indefinitely suspended from the team” due to an alleged laptop theft. While he claimed his innocence, he said the stress was too much for him and his family, so he left the team.

He returned to college basketball with Iowa State during the 2011-12 season. White helped the Cyclones finish with a 23-11 record. They lost in the Big 12 final and made the second round of the NCAA Tournament as a No. 8 seed.