Draft Prospect: DeJuan Blair

[TimDunkem]

Does Blair's joining the team make Hairston a better fit for the roster than Gist? Gist is also an undersized 4 with a similar skill set to Blair's. Am I wrong to think that Hairston has a better chance to make it as a SF than Gist?

Yes because there is room for both on the team. Each have different skillsets. Gist is a combo forward similar to Hakim Warrick, but Gist has shown the ability to hit threes. I'm not sure if he could play the SF position, but that's the best case scenario.

[mosdef17]

That is true, Millsap led the NCAA in rebounding and turned out well for Utah...dont get me wrong I hope Blair can do what Millsap did Im just saying some of u guys are being way too optimistic. We honestly have no idea how his transition from college ball to the NBA will go. I mean to have people label him as a TD succesor or even close to one before he plays a single game is completely ridiculous. Let's give him time before we get our hopes up so high.

In my opinion, in the best case scenario Blair can be what Millsap is for Utah or what Jason Maxiell is for Detroit. I dont see him as an all-star.

While I do agree with most of that, the reason why I am a little optimistic that he can really contribute (not be an all-star, but be of value) is because of his work rate and effort. Guys like Maxiell and Millsap that you mentioned get limited minutes and come out giving 100% and I think thats what makes them valuable to their respective teams. I know I will get 100% all the time from DeJuan Blair. We know his game won't completely adapt to the NBA, he will never lead the league in rebounding, but because of the effort he gives, he does have a chance to be a good player. He will be good, but how his skill set can adapt to the bigger, strong and quicker game of the NBA will determine how high he can rise or how low he can fall. Successor to Tim Duncan? That's a joke. There aren't many people in history that could fill Tim's hole when he calls it quits.

[picnroll]

I'd be surprised and disappointed if Blair isn't better than Malik. He's already got a reputation of better hands, a better passer and less likely to be a black hole. Based on college results against major compe on he'd have to crash and burn not to be a dominant rebounder and he's got the tools to be a defender capable of routing the big boys out of the paint and their comfort zone a la Malik, maybe more so. This should be the Spurs Milsap-type steal. He didn't even play in great shape in college and still dominated. What's he like when he's toned?

[barbacoataco]

I don't see how you can say Blair, Hairston and Gist aren't competing for some of the same minutes.

[timvp]

I'd be surprised and disappointed if Blair isn't better than Malik. He's already got a reputation of better hands, a better passer and less likely to be a black hole. Based on college results against major compe on he'd have to crash and burn not to be a dominant rebounder and he's got the tools to be a defender capable of routing the big boys out of the paint and their comfort zone a la Malik, maybe more so. This should be the Spurs Milsap-type steal. He didn't even play in great shape in college and still dominated. What's he like when he's toned?

Being disappointed if Blair isn't better than Malik in his prime? That's some pretty huge expectations for a second rounder.

Malik was pretty damn good in his prime. Very good defender who could guard everyone from Shaq to Dirk, great energy, relentless effort, didn't back down from big situations, playoff proven and capable offensively. Blair could be good but he'll never be as athletic as Malik was or as versatile defensively. I'm not saying he can't be better than Malik but that is a tall task.


I'm not sure how Spurs Nation on a whole has forgotten how good Malik was back from 2001 to 2003. Nowadays Spurs fans act like Malik was a scrub run of the mill backup big. His days with the Spurs didn't end pretty but that shouldn't overshadow his best days when he was one of the best backup bigs in the game.

[objective]

you could also switch on pick and rolls and Malik could handle the guards. Used to do it to Nash and Nowitzki and never suffered for it.

[FkLA]

Being disappointed if Blair isn't better than Malik in his prime? That's some pretty huge expectations for a second rounder.

Malik was pretty damn good in his prime. Very good defender who could guard everyone from Shaq to Dirk, great energy, relentless effort, didn't back down from big situations, playoff proven and capable offensively. Blair could be good but he'll never be as athletic as Malik was or as versatile defensively. I'm not saying he can't be better than Malik but that is a tall task.


I'm not sure how Spurs Nation on a whole has forgotten how good Malik was back from 2001 to 2003. Nowadays Spurs fans act like Malik was a scrub run of the mill backup big. His days with the Spurs didn't end pretty but that shouldn't overshadow his best days when he was one of the best backup bigs in the game.

Exactly once Malik improved his offensive game, and added that to his hustle and all-out play in every other aspect as well as his versatility as a defender he became a great player for us...he was like a 12 and 8 guy during his prime and was consistantly a strong 6th man of the year candidate.

I'd be extremely happy if thats what Blair ends up becoming.

[Da Spurs]

People forget that during the season, Blair was talked about as a lottery pick. They weren't even sure the season before if Gist would even be drafted. Blair will come in and play big minutes behind Timmy. I think Timmy will be limited to 25-30 minutes or less this year. He was overused last year and broke down towards the end. We can't make that same mistake again.

Blair has the potential to be a 10-10 guy over his career or better if he stays healthy. The absolute steal of the draft. Incredible!

[picnroll]

Being disappointed if Blair isn't better than Malik in his prime? That's some pretty huge expectations for a second rounder.

Will begin to see soon. Hopefully Blair's knees will let him reach a prime. It's safe to say though that if a 20 year Blair isn't better than a 20 year old Rose the Spurs better find a couple of damn good big men.

[Marcus Bryant]

Being disappointed if Blair isn't better than Malik in his prime? That's some pretty huge expectations for a second rounder.

Malik was pretty damn good in his prime. Very good defender who could guard everyone from Shaq to Dirk, great energy, relentless effort, didn't back down from big situations, playoff proven and capable offensively. Blair could be good but he'll never be as athletic as Malik was or as versatile defensively. I'm not saying he can't be better than Malik but that is a tall task.


I'm not sure how Spurs Nation on a whole has forgotten how good Malik was back from 2001 to 2003. Nowadays Spurs fans act like Malik was a scrub run of the mill backup big. His days with the Spurs didn't end pretty but that shouldn't overshadow his best days when he was one of the best backup bigs in the game.

This foreshadows how Spurs Nation will turn their back quickly on Blair. He's 6'7" tall (nevermind the wingspan, standing reach, or actual performance). He's "undersized" and therefore every virtual GM will conclude that he is inadequate. AHF comes to mind, for example.

[picnroll]

This foreshadows how Spurs Nation will turn their back quickly on Blair. He's 6'7" tall (nevermind the wingspan, standing reach, or actual performance). He's "undersized" and therefore every virtual GM will conclude that he is inadequate. AHF comes to mind, for example.

Malik had two very good years. People forget that. Then Malik began to become a detriment, thinking he was the go to guy and making bonehead play after bonehead play. Some people forgot/overlooked/made excuses for/forget that too.

[Marcus Bryant]

The Mavs were never a problem until the Spurs dealt Malik. Some have forgot/overlooked/made excuses for/forget that too.

[kbrury]

I still remember that one playoff game in 2003 after Dallas upset us in game 1, game 2 Malik scored like 25 points and we won three straight in a hard fought series.

[Spurs Brazil]

I hope Blair turn to be a great player but Malik was fantastic.

In 2003 he was key, the best season of his carrer, guarding Shaq, Dirk, blocking Bradley and dunking on Mutombo

[Blackjack]

Not coincidentally, Malik also camp to camp in '03 in the best shape of his life.

I think he had a couple of 20-20 games (IIRC against Milwaukee and Dallas) and with his improved free-throw shooting and mid-range jumper, Malik was definitely at his best.

[D_Blair45_fan]

I have not seen it discussed so I just wanted to let you guys know that on top of being a beast on the boards he is a great outlet passer. He has pin point accuracy throwing the ball down court. Almost Kevin Love good.

[VivaPopovich]

I have not seen it discussed so I just wanted to let you guys know that on top of being a beast on the boards he is a great outlet passer. He has pin point accuracy throwing the ball down court. Almost Kevin Love good.

i hope the kevin love reference was regarding his passing ability because kevin love would have been the biggest dissappointment of last year's draft but he closed out the year fairly well

[D_Blair45_fan]

i hope the kevin love reference was regarding his passing ability because kevin love would have been the biggest dissappointment of last year's draft but he closed out the year fairly well

It was in regards to how good Love is as an outlet passer. Blair really worked on that and was a great outlet passer at Pitt in his second season.

[DPG21920]

Using the "what do you expect from a 2nd rounder" line is intellectually dishonest. He is not your typical 2nd rounder.

No one had him slipping that far and many had him as a lottery pick. He fell because of health, not skill. He has higher expectations because he can play. If he is healthy and does not produce well, it will be disappointing.

[raspsa]

I love the idea of Blair, Gist, Mahinmi trying to outdo each other and earn their spot on the rotation. Blair with the chip on his shoulder, Gist with a year's Italian experience and Ian w/o a chip in his ankle (LOL) .. wish the Spurs had a webcam in their practice facility.. sigh..

[dbestpro]

I know Blair is a good inside player. He will be good inside in the NBA. What could take him to the upper level of the NBA is the development of an outside shot. Anybody got an idea if this guy has any type of outside shot?

[DBMethos]

As far as I know, he doesn't have any offensive game outside of 10 feet. He said that his jumper is what he's trying to improve on the most.

[exstatic]

As far as I know, he doesn't have any offensive game outside of 10 feet. He said that his jumper is what he's trying to improve on the most.

Malik didn't have a game outside of 5 feet when he got here, so there's hope. If you've got a guy who needs to extend his jumper, Chip is the man you want behind your bench.

[Obstructed_View]

As far as I know, he doesn't have any offensive game outside of 10 feet. He said that his jumper is what he's trying to improve on the most.

This is sort of in line with people worried that Gortat wasn't a good shooter. Dejuan is in the game to clean the glass. As far as I'm concerned, the only time he should be more than ten feet from the basket is when he's shooting free throws.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

The Mavs were never a problem until the Spurs dealt Malik. Some have forgot/overlooked/made excuses for/forget that too.

Very true MB, but that also coincided with the rise of Josh Howardm and Devin Harris, and the departure of Steve Nash.