The Golden State Warriors have assigned center Patrick O’Bryant to the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin announced today.

O’Bryant, 20, has appeared in 12 games this season for Golden State, averaging 1.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in 7.5 minutes of action. During the preseason, O’Bryant appeared in five games, averaging 4.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.00 block in 14.4 minutes per contest.

“We think this will provide Patrick an opportunity to obtain additional playing experience, which is good for any young, developing player,” Mullin said. “We do not view this as a demotion, but rather a chance for a 20 year-old rookie to gain more experience in game situations. He has worked hard and certainly benefited from practicing with our team and the D-League is another avenue to utilize in his maturation process. The amount of time he will spend in Bakersfield is open-ended.”

O’Bryant is the first Warriors player to be assigned to the D-League since the current affiliation system began during the 2005-06 season. Under the system, NBA teams can assign up to two players who are rookies or in their second season to their D-League affiliate. Players can stay with the D-League team for as long as the team wishes, and be recalled back to the NBA at any time. However, a player can only be sent to the D-League a maximum of three times during the season.

Bakersfield’s next game is scheduled for Thursday, January 4, against the visiting Austin Toros.