Houston ? Former Kansas University forward Marcus Morris is being sent to the NBA Developmental League for some seasoning, the Houston Chronicle reported Monday night. First-round draft pick Morris is headed to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in Hidalgo, Texas.

“Fortunately, we’re a team it’s very hard to come in as a rookie and play,” Rockets general manager Daryl Morey told the Houston Chronicle. “We like all our young players to go through a process before they get on the floor. Marcus is someone with very high level of talent and someone we feel will benefit greatly from playing and working on his game. Our focus for Marcus is to work on his defense and offense at the three.”

Morris had been working a lot at power forward with Patrick Patterson injured. The Rockets, who are in the midst of a busy schedule, do not have a practice scheduled until next week.