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PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Trail Blazers have reached an agreement to sign Spanish guard Rudy Fernandez.

Fernandez previously announced his intention to join the NBA, but the Trail Blazers could not announce his agreement to sign until Tuesday because of league rules.

"I want to help the team and go to the playoffs next year," Fernandez said in a conference call with reporters. "I will learn everything and I have the opportunity to be with one of the best players in the NBA, Brandon Roy. He's an All-Star. For me, that's the best because I can learn [from the] best player, you know?"

Fernandez has played the past seven seasons for DKV Joventut Badalona of the Spanish ACB League. Last season he averaged 21.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.2 steals for the team, which won both the ULEB Cup and the Copa del Rey.

The 6-foot-6 guard also plays for the Spanish national team. He was expected to join the Blazers after the Olympics.

"Going through the process the one thing we felt great about was, we know that Rudy and his talent is very special, but as you guys are getting to talk to him, you'll realize he's exactly the fabric of what we want going forward with our team," Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard said. "He's an unselfish kid. He's talented. He wants to win."

Portland acquired Fernandez in a trade with Phoenix during the 2007 NBA draft.

Fernandez is good friends with Blazers guard Sergio Rodriguez, who is also from Spain.

"I speak a lot of time with Sergio, and Sergio speaks great on the team and says the company is very good," he said. "For me it's a good experience and a good challenge."

He said he has spoken to coach Nate McMillan and was encouraged by what he heard.

"Nate, the coach says, the first year is a difficult year because it's a new season, a new language, a new city," Fernandez said. "But when I speak to Nate, Nate is happy and says he's excited I'm coming to Portland."

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press