The Minnesota Timberwolves today assigned rookie forward Chris Richard to their NBA Development League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Richard, who is the 27th NBA player assigned to the D-League this season, is the first Timberwolves player to be assigned to the Skyforce.

Richard, 6-9, 255-pounds, has appeared in 24 games for the Timberwolves, averaging 1.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 9.2 minutes, including a 10-point performance against Seattle on Dec. 14. Richard averaged 3.5 points and 4.8 rebounds, while shooting 54 percent from the field, in four games at the 2007 Toshiba Vegas Summer League.