Jalen Smith # 10 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at the PHX Arena on December 23, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 106-102. (Photo by Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns announced on Monday that great newcomer Jalen Smith has been assigned to the NBA G League.
Smith will join Agua Caliente Clippers (an affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers), as the season is already underway at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando.
Selected as the Suns’ tenth overall pick in the NBA 2020 Draft, Smith has played just 50 minutes in eight games this season.
This is due in large part to the hiring of COVID-19 by the newcomer, who made it leave from late December to early January.
He also lost some time due to an ankle injury.
When Smith was on the ground, he scored 14 points out of 6 out of 17 shots to go along with 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
His last appearance was a brief 1:22 in the Suns’ 120-111 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.
Smith was inactive in Sunday’s 109-90 victory over the Orlando Magic.
After the game, Monty Williams said there would be an announcement, but the head coach didn’t want to speak for the rookie.