DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

The Big B Reputation:99 Level:Superstar Since:Sep 29, 2007
	October 13, 2009 9:11 pm Score: 158
	I know what you're thinking: "Blair? Seriously? This guy was drafted in the second round of the draft for a reason." However, maybe we should take a closer look before completely dismissing this guy just because he dropped to the 2nd round, is undersized (in terms of height), and has had "injury problems" (I put that in quotations for a reason). Let's start with his so called "injury problems." Everyone's first response to dismiss Blair is his previous injury past with him tearing both ACLs in high school and having them both surgically repaired. However, that was back in high school and he played two full season for Pittsburgh in college and did very well (winning the Big East Player of the Year last year and getting Pitt a #1 seed in the NCCA tourney). Now sure, he could possibly having some problems 5-10 years down the road but why judge him before you see him play? Just because he might have injury problems as he gets older doesn't mean he can't have a successful start to his NBA career does it? Now to him being under-sized. I hate this term because people only use it in terms of height. Now in basketball, height is important and can be very helpful in making a player better. However, shouldn't the word "size" also include a player's weight? Blair may only be 6'7", but he is a strong 265 lbs. Much like other big but short players in NBA history who turned out to be very good (Ben Wallace, Charles Barkley, Wes Unseld, etc.) he knows how to use his body and strength to his advantage and make up for his lack of height. He was one of the best rebounders in college and has already proven he is could be a good rebounder in the NBA as well (19 rebounds in 22 min. in his first preseason game). The most important thing that should influence how he turns out as a player is the team he was drafted for: the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have a history lately of getting players late in the draft and turning them into stars. First it was Manu Ginobili in 1999 as the 57th overall pick in the draft (2nd to last pick in draft). Since Manu is now considered by most as one of the best SGs in the NBA (most would say at least Top 10 and some would even say Top 5). Then there was Tony Parker who was drafted in 2001 as the 28th overall pick in the draft (last pick of 1st round). He is now considered one of the best PGs in the league (most would say Top 5). Now we have Blair who was drafted as the 37th overall pick pick in the 2009 draft (7th pick in the 2nd round). So will we be seeing Blair as star in the next few years to come? Blair won't be starting this year, but he will get to play behind one of the greatest big men in all of NBA history: Tim Duncan. Right now Blair has a lot of talent and is a very explosive player, but like most rookies (and other NBA players) he could learn more about the fundamentals of the game. What better than to learn from Mr. Fundamental himself. Blair said right after he was drafted to the Spurs that he would stick himself close to Duncan so he could learn as much as possible from him. Learning and playing without one of the best can only make you a better player. I'm a fan of the NBA and I'm also somewhat of a history buff, so I like to look at things in the history of the NBA that tends to repeat itself. One thing is there is always a sleeper late in every draft, no matter which one you look at. Now the Spurs have had 2 of them this decade, so would another one be so crazy to think about happening? I'm not guaranteeing Blair will be a star or claiming he will be the next great big men for the Spurs (David Robinson, then Tim Duncan, then......), but I'm saying that he is definitely a big sleeper and could turn out a lot better than most expect. No, I don't expect him to put up eye popping numbers this year or win ROTY, but I do expect him to contribute well off the bench to spell Timmy D, Antonio McDyess, and the veteran big men. Then maybe a few years down the road, he might be something special. However, if Timmy D retired soon maybe all is lost for the Spurs; maybe the only reason Parker and Ginobili turned out so well was because of Duncan. Who knows, but I guess we'll find out soon enough.
	See Replies · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

wildcatsfan1 Reputation:98 Level:Superstar Since:Jan 20, 2007
	October 13, 2009 9:35 pm Score: 117
	Blair has the ability to be a strong #3 or #4 on a championship team. If he's one of your big 2, your hurting. I don't know how many people on these boards follow NCAAB closely, and by closely I dont mean watch your team play and maybe a big game or two during the year. Im a HUGE CBB fan. Probably moreso than the NBA. A few problems I saw with Blair in college: Range- He has very little. He likes to get the ball, and pound it into his opponent for lay-ups. Its IMPOSSIBLE to question his toughness. However, a team that can put a good defender with size on him, and he'll struggle to finish. Foul Prone- Part of this might have just been from being THE guy on his team, but he constantly was picking up dum fouls in college. Not even getting into FT all the time, but dumb over the back fouls, reach ins, etc. when guys weren't in scoring position. Post moves- Very limited offensive repitoire. Like I said, his main move has always been pound, pound, pound. He hasn't developed any little hook shot or fade away that I saw from him on any consistent basis in college. If you could withstand the strength, you could stop him. He reminds me of Craig Smith who played here at BC. He was a solid college player and given the right situation could succeed in the NBA, but he's not a player you build around. I think Blair as sidekick to a TOP C could be very valuable, but if he's got a C like Andrew Bynum next to him, then they'll be hurting. He's not going to be the leader of any team he's on in his career. But he can be a good role player.
	See Replies · In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

RocketsFan82 Reputation:94 Level:All-Star Since:Nov 20, 2008
	October 13, 2009 11:39 pm Score: 88
	One thing is there is always a sleeper late in every draftbefore the draft my sleeper pick was Taj Gibson which seems to be turning out well, but i do think DeJuan Blair is underrated and i think people are making his injuries out to be more than they actually are.
	See Replies · In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

kmvenne Reputation:99 Level:Superstar Since:Mar 14, 2008
	October 13, 2009 11:58 pm Score: 120
	Yes. Every NBA team is wrong. The general public is right. DeJuan Blair will be great. Wait, I acutally think the opposite. I got confused. Teams passed on this guy time and time again in the draft for a reason. Will he play well for a second rounder? Maybe. Will he come close to being even as good as late-first rounder David Lee? Highly unlikely. No argument for Blair's talent or production is an argument that NBA teams didn't know full well about. No medical information on Blair can be better then the medical information NBA teams have. Nobody can judge NBA talent better then the NBA does. Is the NBA right every time? No. Sometimes a guy actually is as great as people think they are. But usually they end up to be busts. I'd gladly wager my CBS Message Board Dollars on Blair not ever being better then the worst starter on an average team at any point in his career. After all, frankly David Lee's ceiling is probably worst starter on a very good team. Blairs is probably worst starter on an average team. And Lee's done a lot more to justify him hitting his ceiling at some point in his career then Blair has.
	See Replies · In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

wildcatsfan1 Reputation:98 Level:Superstar Since:Jan 20, 2007
	October 14, 2009 12:03 am Score: 89
	I think one thing he has going for him is he's in San Antonio where players just seem to excel. Its like Denver RB's under Shanahan. You plug one in and they rush for 1,000 yards. Like I said, he may be able to be the #3 or 4 option on a title team but if he's #1 or 2 your team's hurting.
	In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

The Big B Reputation:99 Level:Superstar Since:Sep 29, 2007
	October 14, 2009 8:43 am Score: 140
	Yes. Every NBA team is wrong. The general public is right. DeJuan Blair will be great. Wait, I acutally think the opposite. I got confused. Teams passed on this guy time and time again in the draft for a reason. Will he play well for a second rounder? Maybe. Will he come close to being even as good as late-first rounder David Lee ? Highly unlikely. Man, what happened to you kmvenne? First hating on Miller and now hating Blair? Have you become a hater just like the rest of us? Have we been that bad of an influence on you? I know the title of my thread is misleading (did that intentionally to get more people to respond), but I'm not trying to say he's going to be the next Tim Duncan. However, I was more asking along the lines of him being the next Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili for the Spurs. Both are considered "stars" in this league but they are still both just role player to Timmy D. Playing alongside Timmy D can improve his game a ton, and that's been proven with many other players. Now when Timmy D leaves, then that's another story. However, like WCF said: I think one thing he has going for him is he's in San Antonio where players just seem to excel. It's just something that has happened alot where the Spurs manange to get this players in the 2nd round that not many people or other NBA GMs think will turn out well, but they make it happen. Blair gets to play alongside and learn from one of the greatest big men in NBA history, and he's not one of those new arrogant rookies who thinks they can do it on their own. He's already said he's going to staying close to Timmy D and learning everything he can from him; some of that awesomeness from Duncan has to rub off eventually. I don't think he'll be the next Timmy D for the Spurs and I don't think he will ever be a team's best player either, but he can be a very good contributor to any NBA team with his rebounding and strength in the post. If Timmy D teaches him any kind of post moves whatsoever, look out.
	See Replies · In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

D-Town Boys Reputation:94 Level:All-Star Since:Jul 1, 2008
	October 14, 2009 11:15 am Score: 86
	I loved DeJuan Blair at the college level. He is a great hustler and use's his body in the post to bang the smaller framed bodies of other PF. Blair will be a top notch PF in about 3/4 years
	See Replies · In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

Hitch Reputation:96 Level:Superstar Since:Mar 19, 2009
	October 14, 2009 11:48 am Score: 71
	Guys got the heart and the skill, just not the heigth and knee ligaments
	See Replies · In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

Slapnuts33 Reputation:99 Level:Superstar Since:Jul 31, 2008
	October 14, 2009 12:56 pm Score: 71
	Knee ligaments are over rated in Basketball
	See Replies · In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

BMu_1963 Reputation:99 Level:Superstar Since:Jun 11, 2008
	October 14, 2009 3:54 pm Score: 112
	On my 2 month hiatus I did a little research on this rookie class and came out thinking the same thing I did when I started: Blair will be no more than a 10 PPG 7 RPG guy in his career. Does he have heart? Yes. Does he have intensity? Yes. Does he have a great work ethic? Maybe. The fact is, Tractor Traylor, that if you play the 3 or 4 and are niether tall or athletic, you won't be a great player. This isn't the NFl where brute strength and desire can turn a 6' DE into the NFL's sack leader. Blair just doesn't have what it takes to make it.
	See Replies · In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

PimptighT25 Reputation:91 Level:All-Star Since:Apr 29, 2008
	October 14, 2009 8:46 pm Score: 110
	I would love to see Blair as a future star in the silver and black down the road, but in all reality I can only see him as a solid role player on a good team....with that said I think he will bring energy and intensity off the bench and can help the Spurs win right now....all be it a pre-season game against Miami, Blair had 15 points in the last 7 minutes of the game including a steal and a lay up with under a minute to go in the fourth quarter helping the Spurs beat the Heat by one point....
	In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

Goallthings SD Reputation:96 Level:Superstar Since:Jul 5, 2009
	October 14, 2009 9:29 pm Score: 83
	I can't help but laugh, if you want a defensive liability whose only plus talent is rebounding please play him 20+ minutes a game
	In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

ChiTownCliff Reputation:99 Level:Superstar Since:Jan 20, 2008
	October 14, 2009 9:42 pm Score: 132
	I made a joke thread about a week ago praising Taj Gibson of my Bulls after his first game on the Bulls this preseason were he scored 19 and had 9 rebounds. I bring this up because I was very upset that the Bulls did not take a gamble on DeJuan Blair with their second pick in the 1st round. I knew Blair had Knee issues, but he was considered a lottery player up until about draft night. The joke is however on me you see because I really would now rather have Taj Gibson. Blair is healthy is the better rebounder of the two for sure but Gibson is a great defensive player. I thought he would never contribute this season, but after watching him I think he will see a ton of minutes. I really think Blair will not pan out longterm. He will have some crazy games for sure and I could see him pulling down close to 30 rebounds in a game, but he is a risk and I am now happy with my Bulls pick. Nice thread.
	In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

Beavis 25 Reputation:95 Level:Superstar Since:Aug 14, 2008
	October 15, 2009 3:04 am Score: 70
	He just needs to hire the Suns medical staff and he'll be fine.
	In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

clutch boyz Reputation:99 Level:Superstar Since:Jan 29, 2007
	October 18, 2009 2:59 pm Score: 54
	Blair's standing reach is 1 1/2 inches longer than Blake Griffin's. His wingspan is 7'2". He was a steal for the Spurs. <a href="http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/?year=2009&sort2=DESC&draft=100&pos=0&sort=6">http://www.draftexpress.com/nba- pre-draft-measurements/?year=2009&sort2=DESC&draft=100&pos=0&sort=6
	In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

LA15Champs Reputation:0 Level:Amateur Since:Oct 20, 2009
	October 20, 2009 6:30 am Score: 26
	If Blair develops a jumper, he'll be a another version of Carl Landry,...agile PF who can shoot the mid-range, grab rebounds, and bang it inside that teams love to have come off the bench
	In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink

- DeJuan Blair: The Next Spurs Star?

John Winger Reputation:44 Level:Rookie Since:Oct 19, 2009
	October 20, 2009 7:11 am Score: 152
	DeJuan Blair has the opportunity to be a very valuable part of the Spurs picture, but not a superstar. It's true he is an "undersized" 4 just like Charles Barkley, but "Sir Charles" had an explosiveness up and down the floor that Blair just doesn't possess. Don't get me wrong, I like DeJuan Blair and I loved watching Pitt play in his two years there. He has an excellent post game and he knows how to use his size. Anyone who watched him school Hasheem Thabeet in that Georgetown/Pitt matchup last year can see he knows how to work out down low. The problem is in the NBA there is too much speed and quickness that can seal him off and prevent him from making his moves because the help can get there so quickly. I believe he will be a very solid contributor and his contribution will start out slowly, but as much as I like Blair I don't think he can carry the Spurs.
	In Reply To... · Reply · Permalink