Griffin Becomes First Rookie Named An All-Star Since 2003
February 3, 2011
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin has been selected as a reserve to the Western Conference Team for the 2011 NBA All-Star Game by a vote of the leagues head coaches. Griffin will be the first rookie to appear in an NBA All-Star Game since Yao Ming in 2003.
Griffin, 21, is enjoying one of the most dominant rookie seasons in NBA history, averaging 23.0 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 51.8 percent (422-814 FG) from the field. Griffin is the only player in the NBA to average at least 20 points, 12 boards and over three assists this season and ranks second in the league with 40 double-doubles. Griffin scored an NBA season-high 47 points on Jan. 17 and has been named the Western Conference T-Mobile Rookie Of The Month three straight times.
In response to the selection, Griffin said, "Im really proud to be fortunate enough to have been chosen to the Western Conference All Star team and Im looking forward to an exciting weekend later this month. I want to focus on these important games we have coming up. I do want to say, much love to my teammates. I share this honor with them. Thanks to the Western Conference coaches for giving me this opportunity. Most of all, thank you Clipper Nation for all of your support."
Griffin is the 10th Clipper in franchise history to be selected to the All-Star Game and the fourth Clipper All-Star since 1993, joining Chris Kaman (2010), Elton Brand (2002, 2006) and Danny Manning (1993,1994).
During All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Griffin is also scheduled to participate in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam on Friday, Feb. 18 along with Clippers teammate Eric Bledsoe and the Sprite Slam Dunk contest on Saturday, Feb. 19 at STAPLES Center.
The NBA All-Star Game will air live on TNT on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 5:00 p.m. PT from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
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