NBA Draft Basketball

Syracuse's Tyler Ennis answers questions during an interview after being selected 18th overall by the Phoenix Suns during the 2014 NBA Draft on June 26, 2014, in New York.

(Kathy Willens | The Associated Press)

Syracuse, N.Y. — The Phoenix Suns have sent first-round pick Tyler Ennis to their D-League affiliate, the Bakersfield Jam.

Ennis, whom the Suns selected with the 18th pick of the June draft, had played in just two NBA games. In 18 minutes, he was 1-of-4 from the floor, had three assists and three turnovers.

The move was not unexpected. Phoenix's selection of Ennis was and remains a bit of a puzzler. The Suns are loaded at the guard spots. The Bakersfield stop would prevent him from languishing on the bench, a place Ennis seems to have made an early peace with:

"I love watching basketball," Ennis told AZCentral. "It'd be tough if somebody just wanted to play. I got to watch Steph Curry the other night, and I've never watched him in person. Obviously I want to be out there, but the more I learn in this time, and continue to work on my body, will help me in the long run. I'm learning from our guys and other players, taking it all in and being a sponge."

The Suns also sent former N.C. State guard T.J. Warren to the D-League. Warren, who was a prolific college scorer, has been nursing a thumb injury.

Ennis declared for the NBA Draft after his freshman season at Syracuse.

"With back to back home games to start the Jam season, it is the perfect time for Tyler and T.J. to get some valuable playing time here in Bakersfield," Jam General Manager Bubba Burrage said on his team's website. "We are excited to have them here to start the year."

Bakersfield opens its 2014-15 season on Friday, when it hosts the Texas Legends.