The Phoenix Suns have assigned rookie D.J. Strawberry to their NBA Development League affiliate, the Albuquerque Thunderbirds, it was announced today by Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, Steve Kerr. Strawberry is the 21st NBA assignment to a D-League affiliate this season. Before last night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, the Suns recalled rookie Alando Tucker from the Thunderbirds.
Strawberry, a 6-5, 201-pound guard, was selected by Phoenix in the second round (59th overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft and signed with the team on Aug. 28, 2007. In six games with the Suns, Strawberry averaged 2.0 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 6.2 minutes.
The New York City native played four season for the University of Maryland (2003-07) and averaged 10.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 111 contests for the Terrapins. He is the first player from Maryland to be drafted in the NBA since 2003 (Steve Blake, Washington Wizards).
Phoenix recalled forward Tucker Monday, the day he was named the D-League’s Performer of the Week. The 6-6, 205-pound rookie was assigned to the Thunderbirds on Nov. 28, 2007 and averaged 28.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 39.0 minutes over five contests with the Thunderbirds.
