Fab Melo and Kris Joseph have been assigned to the Maine Red Claws. More info here: on.nba.com/QGFZwY

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 14, 2012

Unlike years past, there used to be a limit of how many times teams could send their rookies and young players to the NBDL, but starting this season, they'll be able to bring them back and forth as much as they want. Joseph and Melo will be able to practice in Waltham with the team and get valuable floor time up in Maine.

Although it seems like some sort of demotion, the developmental league has proved to be a great place for young Celtics to get their sea legs. Remember that after Avery Bradley injured himself before the start of his rookie campaign, he spent a lot of time in Maine getting back up to speed and not rotting on the vine. Consider the fate of last year's Purduo rookie class that never spent time up north because they were needed in Boston due to injuries and the shortened season. They played here and there, but never really got a rhythm. Like any sport, basketball is one of those things where practice makes perfect and repetition, repetition, and repetition will only help the two Syracuse rooks.

They'll join camp invite Micah Downs and Doc's son, Jeremiah Rivers, at the Portland Expo. Their first game is next Friday.