Miami, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Miami Heat assigned struggling rookie guard Shabazz Napier to its NBA Development League affiliate in Sioux Falls on Saturday.
Napier, the Most Outstanding Player of the 2014 Final Four and Miami's first- round pick of this past June's NBA Draft, has scored just three points while going 1-of-8 from the field over the Heat's last four games.
The former Connecticut standout had been a key part of the Heat's rotation early in the season and scored in double figures in six straight games from Nov. 16-25. However, Napier's playing time had decreased once Dwyane Wade returned from a hamstring injury in late November.
In 23 games this season, Napier has averaged 5.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
The Heat also sent center Hassan Whiteside to the Skyforce. The 7-footer appeared in just three games since being signed by the team on Nov. 24.
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