The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets announced today that they have reassigned rookie forward Marcus Vinicius to their NBA Development League affiliate Tulsa 66ers.

On Jan. 9, Vinicius was assigned to the D-League, but was recalled six days later after suffering a strained right Achilles’ in his first game with the 66ers. Before the Jan. 12 injury, he recorded one point and five rebounds in 13 minutes of action at DAK.

“Marcus has shown a great deal of promise throughout the season on the practice floor,” said Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower. “Now that he is once again healthy, assigning him to the D-League will allow him to receive the game experience that is crucial to his development.”

Vinicius, who was drafted by the Hornets in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft, has averaged 1.4 points in eight games with the team this season. He has spent 35 games on the Inactive List and has registered 13 DNP-CDs.

Vinicius will be included on the Hornets’ roster, but will remain on the team’s Inactive List during his time in Tulsa. The Hornet’s Inactive List stands at Vinicius, Peja Stojakovic (back surgery) and Brandon Bass.

The 66ers, coached by Joey Meyer, are affiliated with Milwaukee and New York, as well as the Hornets. The team is currently 14-20 on the season.