Hollins: D-League Isn't Demotion For Thabeet

Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins says that the team sent rookie center Hasheem Thabeet to the NBDL for his development.

"It's not a demotion. It's development," Hollins said. "To go down there and play gives him an opportunity to grow."

Hollins said that if he has any regret about sending Thabeet to the Dakota Wizards, it's that he didn't make the decision soon.

"He didn't get demoted from anything. He wasn't playing," Hollins said. "I think we don't take advantage of the D-League enough because of people worrying about the PR hit you're going to take. It's like people would rather have a guy sit on the bench and never play versus going to the minor leagues to play. Baseball has been doing it for years, and it works."

Thabeet, the second pick in last June's NBA Draft, is the highest selection to ever be sent to the NBDL.