The Kings have sent rookie center Hassan Whiteside to the Reno Bighorns of the NBDL.

Whiteside, a second-round draft pick (33rd overall), played two minutes in the season opener and hasn't played since.

"I think he's disappointed, but we explained to him it's not a demotion," coach Paul Westphal said. "(It's) because we think so highly of him that we want him to have a chance to play."

Whiteside is behind Samuel Dalembert and DeMarcus Cousins at center on the depth chart.

"I think it's a real good opportunity for him," Westphal said. "That's what the D-League's for. ... He needs experience. That's what we said when we drafted him, that's where he is right now."