Manufan909
11-03-2009, 08:05 PM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/britt_robson/11/03/rookies.notes/index.html
This is the part concerning Blair:
The 2009 rookie class looks like it will provide more meaningful contributors than anticipated. Eleven first-year players have averaged more than 20 minutes per game during the first week of the season -- and that's without top pick Blake Griffin, who is sidelined with a kneecap injury.
It isn't just rebuilding teams stocking their lineups with rookies either. The Nuggets, who lost to the Lakers in last year's Western Conference finals, opened with three consecutive victories while deploying rookie point guard Ty Lawson both in relief of Chauncey Billups and alongside Mr. Big Shot in their backcourt. The Spurs, widely expected to mount the most serious challenge to the Lakers' conference supremacy, have second-round pick DeJuan Blair spelling veteran Tim Duncan for significant minutes as they gird for what they hope will be a grueling 100-plus-game season counting the playoffs.
The examples of Lawson and Blair demonstrate that even already successful franchises choosing late from a supposedly thin pool of talent can add a crucial component in their push for a championship. Not only do they provide welcome respite for grizzled cornerstone players like Billups and Duncan, but they also complement the surrounding personnel or shore up a glaring weakness. Lawson is an ideal catalyst for a Nuggets second unit that thrives in an up-tempo setting. And Blair, who led the NCAA in offensive rebounds last season, comes to a Spurs team that ranked last in that category last season. Don't be surprised if both players are logging meaningful minutes in second-round playoff action next spring.
And a mention of Fab!!!:downspin:
A more reliable bet is ongoing savvy from Blatche's frontcourt mate Fabricio Oberto, whose modest numbers belie his contributions to ball movement and team defense.
Concerning the article itself, he mentions around a dozen teams, but near the beginning he lists the Easts big 3, but does not do so for the West.:bang
This is the part concerning Blair:
The 2009 rookie class looks like it will provide more meaningful contributors than anticipated. Eleven first-year players have averaged more than 20 minutes per game during the first week of the season -- and that's without top pick Blake Griffin, who is sidelined with a kneecap injury.
It isn't just rebuilding teams stocking their lineups with rookies either. The Nuggets, who lost to the Lakers in last year's Western Conference finals, opened with three consecutive victories while deploying rookie point guard Ty Lawson both in relief of Chauncey Billups and alongside Mr. Big Shot in their backcourt. The Spurs, widely expected to mount the most serious challenge to the Lakers' conference supremacy, have second-round pick DeJuan Blair spelling veteran Tim Duncan for significant minutes as they gird for what they hope will be a grueling 100-plus-game season counting the playoffs.
The examples of Lawson and Blair demonstrate that even already successful franchises choosing late from a supposedly thin pool of talent can add a crucial component in their push for a championship. Not only do they provide welcome respite for grizzled cornerstone players like Billups and Duncan, but they also complement the surrounding personnel or shore up a glaring weakness. Lawson is an ideal catalyst for a Nuggets second unit that thrives in an up-tempo setting. And Blair, who led the NCAA in offensive rebounds last season, comes to a Spurs team that ranked last in that category last season. Don't be surprised if both players are logging meaningful minutes in second-round playoff action next spring.
And a mention of Fab!!!:downspin:
A more reliable bet is ongoing savvy from Blatche's frontcourt mate Fabricio Oberto, whose modest numbers belie his contributions to ball movement and team defense.
Concerning the article itself, he mentions around a dozen teams, but near the beginning he lists the Easts big 3, but does not do so for the West.:bang