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yeah u could tell he really wanted the mvp but he no doubt stole the show from evans
Enter Showman
Blackjack - SpursTalk.com
It took no longer than the starting lineup's introduction to see that this was something different.
The precocious 20-year old rookie was finally in his element.
Allowed free reign to break reins, Blair would get his All-Star Weekend started with an all-eyes-on-me shimmy; a light-hearted moment that pleased his teammates as much as the crowd.
Blair’s interaction with teammates was something to behold, as they gravitated to the charisma of the would-be "Beast"; his confidence and smile are infectious and bring forth it’s own gravitational pull.
He’s engaging, likeable and a genuine young man.
He commands respect without demanding it and receives it in the oft chance he should; his coach might say he instills the appropriate amount of fear.
Prior to Friday's Rookie-Sop re tilt, Blair would make his intention known: the rebounding record was his. And to attain his objective, he would make one simple request: get out the way.
It was a time to let loose, put on a show and have some fun, but Blair would have his cake and eat it too.
Always the chip on his shoulder, a good time wouldn't prevent him from seeking an answer to his most baffling question.
Thirty-seventh in the Draft?
Really?
At some point in his career, that question’s resonance will fade; the doubters will be proven right or wrong, with whatever success he does or doesn’t achieve.
But, for now, it’s the fuel that keeps a fire burning.
Blair would rack up 22 points, 23 rebounds and 4 assists -- in what’s become a glorified scrimmage -- and, by night's end, have the winner of the game's MVP looking to share the award.
Evans was a worthy selection and the clear-cut best player on the court. -- It wasn’t his fault the voters were forced to turn in their ballots before game’s end –- He got to the basket at will, as he set the tone early, and left jaws dropped with a couple of spectacular finishes below the rim; visions of Dr. J and one of his most famous baseline drives would come to mind on one particular foray.
But his teammates play and cult of personality lead him to pay homage with a very humble and deferential gesture.
As far as Evans was concerned, his MVP would be shared.
It was a kind gesture and one that Blair surely appreciated. But, again, it was a slight.
“I just can't catch a break, man. I don't know what I've got to do, but that's all right.”
It’s not good enough for Blair to play well, he seeks vindication; that award a pittance of the comeuppance he feels due.
Blair enjoyed his time with fellow classmates and the chance to display particular talents wasted on a coach like Pop -- throwing an alley-oop to himself on one possession, followed by a three-point shot on his next, and displaying his best Rucker Park handle when afforded the opportunity -- but even that million dollar smile couldn’t mask the frustration that’s come to define and stoke the fire of his basketball career.
Even as he let his hair down -- Coach Pop surely pulling his out from afar -– the road he’s traveled is never out of sight; injuries, physical attributes and naysayer’s, won’t allow it to be.
With the 37th pick in the ’09 Draft, the Spurs believed they’d netted their “ass-kicking four”.
What they’ve come to find in Blair, is a blue-collar showman; a player on a never-ending search for that next MVP award.
yeah u could tell he really wanted the mvp but he no doubt stole the show from evans
Good work, Blackjack. Blair was definitely phenomenal that game.
Mmm... Impressive credentials. I think I'll continue reading.
Blackjack raising the bar. Great read.
If someone finds some highlights of Blair's performance please post them.
Wasted on Pop, what an excellent choice of words. I respect and admire Pop as much as the next guy, but everyone ages and nobody is perfect. He seems as if he's getting more and more bitter, and it's not helping a great player like Dejuan. Dejuan said in an interview that he hasn't had that much fun since college and it made me wince. When he's up for contract negotiations, things better be different, or he's out.
I'm a Blackjack fan
+1I'm a Blackjack fan
Very good read
Couldn't agree more with the "wasted on Pop" phrase. I'm amazed that Blair has been given as many minutes as he's gotten. It's customary for Pop to mishandle young players - we've seen it often, and he's still mishandling Mahinmi this year.
The most telling comment was by Pop himself, who said that he "hasn't even coached the kid." Doesn't that say it all?
Sometimes the best thing Pop can do is just get out of the way. But he rarely releases even a millimeter of control. That's why Blair would make the "not much fun" comment. Pop coaches with a vice-grip on his players.
I think the reason any free agent signees come to San Antonio is because of Duncan, not because of Pop.
Aesthetics, son. . .
It's walking into the store to buy a pack of Magnums when there clearly isn't enough duct tape on Earth to make 'em work; the "credentials" you gleaned were an unintended, and fortunate (clearly from you comment ...) consequence.
Nice read Blackjack!
Well written, thanks.
Great job Blackjack. Very nice writing. I love how much fun Blair has on the basketball court all the time.
I'm sure Pop enjoyed watching Blair let it all go in an exhibition game with no consequences, just as I'm sure Blair will come back to the Spurs and be happy to play quiet disciplined team-oriented basketball without any regrets.
thanks for that mate
Nice Blackjack
For the record, I agree with you. My comment about particular aspects wasted upon a coach like Pop, was more a statement of fact: he's old-school, no-nonsense, buttoned-up and apt to minimize mistakes.
I do think Pop would be served well to loosen the reins and give young players the opportunity (especially early in the season) to play through mistakes, though. Not squelching or completely frowning upon youthful exuberance would also be something I'd suggest; Blair and Pop could, and should, learn a lot from each other (even if Blair more-so than Pop).
Even though Pop demands discipline, I don't' think he's as dictatorial as his mentor, Larry Brown. I don't mind Pop pulling the strings as long as he's not suffocating potential. This brings the question of Ian to surface. Is he that bad that he doesn't deserve more playing time, especially those games where there has been ample garbage time available? On the one hand I want to give the coaching staff the benefit of the doubt because they are in position to observe him under a microscope. On the other hand, when Ian has been given the opportunity to play, he has demonstrated flashes of talent and athleticism that the Spurs need.
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