Clippers’ Blake Griffin, Eric Bledsoe selected for NBA Rookie Challenge

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The Clippers’ Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe were among 18 players selected Tuesday for this year’s T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam on Feb. 18, a game that features first- and second-year players that’s held during the NBA’s All-Star weekend, which takes place this year at Staples Center.

Griffin, 21, also was named the NBA’s Western Conference rookie of the month in January, the third consecutive month he’s won the award.

Griffin is averaging 22.8 points and 12.7 rebounds per game this season, and many believe the forward also should be named to the all-star team itself on Feb. 20. Bledsoe, a point guard, is averaging 6.4 points per game.

Other rookies named to the Rookie Challenge included Washington Wizards guard John Wall, Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins and New Jersey Nets forward Derrick Favors.

The players are selected by NBA assistant coaches, and the game is played in two 20-minute halves.

-- Jim Peltz