MIAMI, Fla. -- The Miami Heat have assigned rookie point guard Shabazz Napier to the Sioux Falls Skyforce, their NBA Developmental League affiliate team, for a second time this season.
The team made the announcement hours after Tuesday's practice session before leaving for their road game against the Indiana Pacers on New Year's Eve. Media was not informed of the news during their availability time.
When asked Tuesday about the team's recent point guard play, Dwyane Wade only replied tersely, "It could be better."
Even with the noticeable struggles for both Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole, coach Erik Spoelstra largely elected to keep Napier on the bench after he was recalled from the Skyforce on Dec. 15, after one game in which he recorded 22 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal in a 124-105 victory against the Iowa Energy.
Napier appeared in 25 Heat games this season averaging 5.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 21.0 minutes but has not played since Dec. 17 versus the Utah Jazz. After tying a rookie franchise record by scoring double-figures in six straight games during the month of November, he reached that mark just once in December when he scored 11 against the Brooklyn Nets in his return from the D-League.
You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.
