Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins says that the team sent rookie center Hasheem Thabeet to the NBDL for his development.

"It's not a demotion. It's development," Hollins said. "To go down there and play gives him an opportunity to grow."

Hollins said that if he has any regret about sending Thabeet to the Dakota Wizards, it's that he didn't make the decision soon.

"He didn't get demoted from anything. He wasn't playing," Hollins said. "I think we don't take advantage of the D-League enough because of people worrying about the PR hit you're going to take. It's like people would rather have a guy sit on the bench and never play versus going to the minor leagues to play. Baseball has been doing it for years, and it works."

Thabeet, the second pick in last June's NBA Draft, is the highest selection to ever be sent to the NBDL.

Hasheem Thabeet has been sent to the D-League by the Grizzlies, along with Lester Hudson.

Thabeet was the second overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Thabeet now becomes the highest ranked draft pick to play in the D-League.

Rudy Gay will be a restricted free agent this summer and is willing to listen to offers from the Nets.

"The record doesn't mean much when you're dealing with a team," Gay said Sunday. "You're thinking about yourself and how you can contribute, and that's what other teams think.

"Wherever you feel like you're wanted the most, that's where you're going to be."

The Grizzlies have dressed Jamaal Tinsley as their third-string point guard for the last six games.

Tinsley, 31, is taking the demotion in stride as Memphis continues to surprise this season.

"I understand it. I've been around," he said. "I'll do whatever it takes to help the team. It is what it is."

Marcus Williams has come off the bench to back up starting point guard Mike Conley since Feb. 6.

"I'll just go out there and play hard," Tinsley said. "I don't make decisions. I don't worry about that. I don't control it. My job is to play hard and try to help the team win."

The Grizzlies signed Tinsley on Nov. 13 to a one-year, veteran's minimum contract after he spent 18 months away from basketball after the Pacers sent him away from the team.

Grizzlies guard Ronnie Brewer will miss at least three weeks with a torn hamstring.

Brewer suffered the injury on Friday night while making his debut with Memphis, who acquired him from Utah ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.

He played jsut 12 minutes before collapsing on the court with the injury.

"We thought it was going to require surgery. But they (team doctors) told me it depends on how I react to treatment," Brewer said. "You have to stay positive and stay focused. I'll work hard in rehab and hope for the best."

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant hopes to return to the floor on Tuesday night against the Grizzlies in Memphis.

He has missed five games with a strained tendon in his left leg and sprained left ankle.

Bryant practiced on Saturday for the first time since Feb. 15 and came away feeling good.

"I got that I'm able to play," he said.

"Today it felt very, very good. I can jump, I can drive, push off [and] I can get to the basket. It's just a matter of now of how it feels tomorrow, I guess."

Los Angeles has gone 4-1 without Bryant.

Ronnie Brewer hurt his right hamstring in the second half of his Memphis debut and didn't return.

Team doctors will perform an MRI this morning to determine the extent of Brewer's injury.

It is possible Brewer could have a torn hamstring, which would require him to miss significant time, based on how he reacted.

The Grizzlies acquired guard Ronnie Brewer from the Jazz on Thursday and they see him as part of their long-term plan.

Brewer will earn $2.7 million this season and will be a restricted free agent this summer. His qualifying offer would cost Memphis $3.7 million, but the team is looking for a longer deal.

"I gave up a first-round draft pick so obviously I think he can play for us," Memphis owner Michael Heisley said. "He's experienced and he's young. He'll really boost our second team."

The Grizzlies were able to absorb Brewer's contract in exchange for a draft pick because of the $3.2 million in cap space they had.

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O?Connor announced today that the team has acquired a future first-round pick from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for guard Ronnie Brewer.  Following the trade, the Jazz roster now stands at 12 players.

?We would like to thank Ronnie for his contributions over these past three-plus seasons,? said general manager Kevin O?Connor.  ?We felt that this was the right move for the future of the Jazz organization at this time, and we wish Ronnie the best of luck in the future.?

Ronnie Brewer has been been dealt by Utah to the Grizzlies in exchange for a protected first round pick, according to a report from Ross Siller of the Salt Lake Tribune.

Utah would move under the luxury tax under such a scenario and also free up minutes for other wing players.