National Basketball Association

Rockets assign rookie G Ishmael Smith to D-League

Published Jan. 17, 2011 2:48 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Houston Rockets have assigned rookie guard Ishmael Smith to the developmental league.

The 6-foot Smith will be available to play for Rio Grande Valley in Tuesday's game against Maine. Smith averaged 3.1 points, 2.4 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 24 games for the Rockets.

Smith is the second Rockets player to be assigned to the Vipers this season. Rookie forward Patrick Patterson played in nine games for Rio Grande Valley between Nov. 9-Dec. 13.

The Rockets signed Smith when he wasn't drafted out of Wake Forest.