Dec 2, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards shooting guard Glen Rice Jr. (14) brings the ball up court against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the Verizon Center. The Wizards defeated the Magic 98 – 80. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie Glen Rice Jr. has been assigned to the Iowa Energy of the NBA Developmental League. Rice is recovering from a wrist injury that’s sidelined him for weeks and he’s reportedly begun participating in non-contact drills and should be back sooner than later.

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that guard Glen Rice has been assigned to the Iowa Energy of the NBA Development League. Rice has appeared in 11 games, including one start, this season for Washington while averaging 2.9 points in 10 minutes per game. He was recently cleared to resume all basketball activities following surgery to repair a fracture in his right wrist on December 17.

–via Monumental Network

Rice has spent some time in the D-League prior to getting drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, making him the first player to choose the NBDL route out of college. He was later traded to the Wizards for two second round picks on draft night. Rice wasn’t expected to make much of an impact, but after Bradley Beal went down with injury, he was given the chance to play and even made his first NBA start. Rice has gained a reputation for his ability to score the ball, but his willingness to play defense has surprised a few people this season.

NBA teams utilize the D-League for rookies all the time, but I think the Wizards will recall Rice once he completes his “rehab stint” with the Iowa Energy. Washington hasn’t sent many players down to the NBDL in recent memory, so this move came as bit of a surprise.