January 2, 2007

(TORONTO) -- The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday that forward Jorge Garbajosa was named NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for December, 2006. Garbajosa is the fifth Raptors player to win the award, joining Charlie Villanueva (December 2006), Vince Carter (March and April 1999), Marcus Camby (March 1997) and Damon Stoudamire (November 1995 and January 1996) on the list of franchise honourees.

Garbajosa helped the Raptors to an 8-8 record, posting averages of 10.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 34.8 minutes in 15 games. He shot .439 (69-157) from the field and .933 (14-15) from the line during the month and led the team in rebounding four times. Garbajosa logged a team-best 522 minutes in December, including seven games of 40 minutes or more.

The native of Madrid, Spain registered a career-high 18 points to go with 11 rebounds and five assists in Toronto’s 120-115 victory over Golden State on December 17. He matched his career high for points six days later against Seattle in a 110-97 road loss. Garbajosa netted 16 points and added six rebounds and four assists in Toronto’s 106-102 win over the Celtics.

The first year Raptor is averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 30.0 minutes in 30 games, 22 of them as a starter, this season. His 1.12 steals per turnover ratio (37 steals, 33 turnovers) ranks sixth in the NBA and his 37 steals leads the Raptors. Garbajosa ranks first among rookies in steals (1.23), third in scoring, second in rebounds and second in minutes.

Toronto begins a three-game homestand as they play host to Phoenix on Wednesday night. The Raptors will face Atlanta on Friday and Washington on Sunday. Wednesday’s game tips off at 7:00 p.m.

Randy Foye of the Minnesota Timberwolves was named the NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month.