The attributes that helped him attain one of the first invitations to join the U.S. basketball team that will compete in the 2004 Olympics also enabled Sonics guard Ray Allen to receive the NBA's sportsmanship award.

The three-time All-Star accepted the Joe Dumars Trophy yesterday from Bob Lanier, the NBA's community ambassador and Hall of Fame great, during a ceremony at Seattle's T.T. Minor Elementary School.

Following the proceedings, Allen videotaped a "Read to Achieve" segment for the league.