February 13, 2007
Allen
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SEATTLE - Seattle SuperSonics guard
Ray Allen was named by NBA Commissioner David Stern, along with Utah Jazz forward
Mehmet Okur, to replace injured All-Stars
Steve Nash and
Allen Iverson on the Western Conference roster for the 2007 NBA All-Star Game, the NBA announced today. The selection is the seventh of Allen’s career and his fourth consecutive since joining the Sonics in 2003.
“It’s always a great honor to represent my team and our city at the All-Star Game,” Allen said. “As an athlete, I cherish these opportunities to be recognized along with the league’s best and to continue the Sonics proud All-Star tradition.”
With Allen’s selection, the Sonics continue an impressive run of All-Star participation. Beginning with Shawn Kemp’s selection in 1993, the Sonics have been represented in each of the last 14 NBA All-Star Games, the longest active streak of any NBA franchise. Over that span, the Sonics have held 22 roster spots on All-Star teams, edging out the Los Angeles Lakers (20) for most in the NBA. Gary Payton (9 All-Star selections), Kemp (5), Allen (4), Detlef Schrempf (2), Vin Baker (1) and 
Rashard Lewis (1) have all represented Seattle in the league’s midseason showcase since the streak began in 1993.
Allen is currently averaging a career-best 26.9 points per game for the Sonics (seventh in the NBA), along with 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and a career-high 1.6 steals per game. He ranks fourth in the league in three-pointers made (119) despite missing nine games with a bone bruise in his right foot, and his .891 free-throw percentage ranks eighth in the NBA. On Jan. 12, Allen poured in a career-high 54 points in a win over Utah, the fourth-best single-game total in the league this season and the second-highest point total in Sonics franchise history.
The 6-5 guard has averaged 14.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists in his six previous All-Star appearances. His 11 three-pointers made in All-Star Games ties him with Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd for the most in All-Star history.
The 56th NBA All-Star Game will be played in Las Vegas on Sunday, Feb. 18 and will be broadcast live on TNT at 5 p.m. (PST).
