--Highly regarded guard Rudy Fernandez of Spain says he will sign with Portland and play for the Blazers next season.
The 6-6, 180-pound Fernandez, acquired by Portland with the 24th pick in the first round of the 2007 draft, can buy out of his Joventut contract on June 30. "It was a hard decision," Fernandez told Spanish media, "but it's time for me to realize my dream to be part of the NBA. They have promised I will have an important role next season. I think the Blazers have a serious possibility of making the playoffs, and in my opinion, the team can compete for the title."
--UCLA's Russell Westbrook was the most impressive of four guards the Blazers brought in for individual workouts Thursday in preparation for the June 26 draft. The others were North Carolina's Ty Lawson, Duke's DeMarcus Nelson and Rodrigue Beaubois of France.
"Russell did great," Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard said. "He's a talented player, he works hard and he shot the ball really well in shooting drills. That's kind of been his knock, that he can't knock down shots."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I milk-fed some baby elephants in Kenya." -- Blazers owner Paul Allen, on one of the highlights of his recent vacation junket to Africa.
