Blair slims down, earns more playing time with Spurs

[ElNono]

there's that, but the reason i call him a power forward is because it's what he wants. After all he's brought to this team he can be called what he wants.

+1

[barbacoataco]

+1

Not trying to second-guess the great one. Agree- he can be called what he wants.

[JustinJDW]

I kept being skeptical about Blair during the Off-Season and so far during the Pre-Season because I didn't want to get too excited and believe Blair could be a legit game changing Starter in the League. Especially after hearing about him loosing weight. Afraid to be dissapointed.

But I have to say, I have been very pleased with Blair so far. He is still rebounding like a beast and can still score those quick points around the basket. I also saw that little jumper of his the other day. The only thing I am worried about is his shot selection. He really needs to improve on that and I know I'm not the only one that's saying it. He forces way too many shots that are simply not there. He needs to change his mindset a bit because we don't need him to score on every play. Don't force up shots. If its not there, its not there.

[Leonard Curse]

Even though Blair is thinner this season, he is very strong. He gave Blake Griffin all he could handle in the box-out wars. There was one hook shot that Timmy missed over Kaman where Blair and Griffin were going at it for position. Blair could not be leveraged and Griffin was "bootied" out of position. Rebound and layup - Blair.

this !!!

i mean he gave the number 1 pick compe ion and we got blair for nothing it really is unbelievable

[z0sa]

Blair (for me) is easily the most exciting aspect of the "future" Spurs.

[Thompson]

"Going down in the first round of the playoffs last year really hurt us," said Blair.

Another example of BBIQ not = actual IQ.

Knocking the Mavericks out of the playoffs in the first round doesn't really even count any more.

[elec99]

I never thought of Blair as the starting 4, but if he can hit a mid range jump shot consistently, maybe we can consider that spreading the floor. Then Dice/Tiago could come off the bench? THAT would be an amazing bench, not to mention Manu would be running the show too.

Now if we can only do something with RJ....sorry had to throw that in.

Parker/whoever
Hill/Manu
RJ/Anderson
Blair/Dice
Duncan/Tiago

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Another example of BBIQ not = actual IQ.

Beating the Mavericks in the playoffs doesn't actually count as a playoff win...Blair knows this.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Knocking the Mavericks out of the playoffs in the first round doesn't really even count any more.

Oops...I should have read through the thread...someone beat me to it!!

[mingus]

Blair has a lot potential. if not for having no acls, he'd have an accomplished career with probably several or more all-star appearences.

i would like to see him come off the bench though. Splitter will be the better defender and the Spurs should do all they can to make themselves get to a high level defensively, even if it means sacrificing some offense. i also think that the Spurs are past the point where they can bring Manu off the bench. at this point he's our best offensive player and he needs to be on the court from the start. it doesn't mean he needs to play a lot of minutes (his minutes can still be limited). which means i think Blair can assert himself into that sixth man role even more. Blair is fully capable of anchoring the bench offense.

[Spurs Brazil]

Blair is playing fantastic. He’s the best Spurs player in preseason and showed a lot of progress in his game on both ends.
My question is, can he play at that high level for 25-27 minutes a night or do you think he’ll have to play 20-22 minutes?

[GinobiliForTres]

15.3 ppg and 7 rebounds is far more than i expected from him just for the preseason. Anyone else see him getting at least 16 and 9 or maybe even 16 and 10 for his sop re season? I'm very impressed with the beast so far.

[Supergirl]

Trimming down will help keep his knees healthy, too. I love me some DeJuan Blair.

[nkdlunch]

he is looking like the NBA most improved player leading candidate. that is scary