Originally published January 31, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified January 31, 2008 at 8:46 PM

Blazers' Roy named All-Star reserve

Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy, who has led his team's surprising resurgence, was named to the NBA All-Star game Thursday.

The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy, who has led his team's surprising resurgence, was named to the NBA All-Star game Thursday.

Roy, last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, was a reserve selection for the team by the Western Conference coaches. The All-Star starters were selected by fans.

Roy is the first Trail Blazer selected to the game since Rasheed Wallace in 2000 and 2001.

Roy averages 19.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists for the Trail Blazers, who are 26-19 and have surpassed expectations after the loss of No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden to injury in the offseason.

The youngest team in the NBA, the Blazers opened the season 5-12 before reeling off a 13-game winning streak in December. Though they have cooled since beginning a seven-game road trip in early January, the Blazers posted consecutive winning months for the first time since 2004.

Roy has twice been selected as the NBA's player of the week, with the honors coming during the 13-game winning streak.

The Blazers campaigned for Roy, sending each of the coaches a customized iPod, called the iRoy. It features videos of his more memorable performances.

Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson will start in the backcourt for the West team, the NBA announced last week.

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