It's unfortunate but right now DeJuan Blair is becoming very familiar with the ugly, political side of professional basketball.
The worst part is that there isn't one thing that Blair has done wrong. As a sophomore Blair dominated the country, averaging 15 points and 12 rebounds while helping lead Pittsburgh to their most successful season in school history. As great as Blair is on the floor he's even better off of it, possessing great character.
Yet somehow teams found a way to justify passing on him 36 times before the San Antonio Spurs quickly capitalized on everyone's mistake. Sure there is concern regarding his ACLs, but no player is risk-free and Blair's knees haven't given him trouble in years. The knees that Blair currently has are the same ones that he destroyed the 2nd overall pick Hasheem Thabeet on. They didn't prevent him from becoming an All-American nor will they keep him from becoming the steal of the 2009 NBA Draft.
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The main reason behind Blair's decision to declare for the draft and forego his remaining two years of college eligibility was because his stock had seemingly peaked, especially after displaying tremendous work ethic leading up to the draft. Blair's fall to 37 makes his choice less financially beneficial right now, but his time will come as long as he perseveres from things not going the way he hoped or expected.
The main reason behind Blair's decision to declare for the draft and forego his remaining two years of college eligibility was because his stock had seemingly peaked, especially after displaying tremendous work ethic leading up to the draft. Blair's fall to 37 makes his choice less financially beneficial right now, but his time will come as long as he perseveres from things not going the way he hoped or expected.
Blair's summer league debut was a great indicator that all the nonsense going on away from the court isn't going to affect how he performs. Despite playing without a contract Blair posted 13 points and 10 rebounds and wasn't bothered at all by an atmosphere that caused many rookies to have shaky starts.
"I wasn't nervous at all, we're just having fun," said Blair. "It's a lot of fun showing people what I can do and what they missed out on."
"I wasn't nervous at all, we're just having fun," said Blair. "It's a lot of fun showing people what I can do and what they missed out on."
For some players getting passed on in the draft becomes their main source of motivation. However, that can only last for so long. It's those who truly want to be great that become successful in the league and Blair's been driven long before last month's draft.
"I don't really worry about that, I just play," Blair explained. "I have a chip on my shoulder no matter what. That's really nothing."
The Spurs didn't even bother bringing in Blair for a workout prior to the draft because without a lottery pick they felt their chances of getting the Pittsburgh product were nonexistent. Their elation is evident though and they have just one area they want to see Blair really improve in.
"Pick-and-roll defense," revealed Blair when asked what the coaching staff wants to see him work on. "I think I can get a lot better with that, but that's about it."
Financially the Spurs were not preparing to pay a 2nd round pick guaranteed money because they were not expecting a player of Blair's caliber to be available. They're already over the luxury tax threshold, meaning his salary would basically be doubled. While the economy makes it hard to advocate that kind of spending, the Spurs know they have a championship team in the making and that Blair is worth the investment. They kept a portion of their mid-level exception after signing Antonio McDyess with the intentions of using it on Blair, which is why a deal is a foregone conclusion.
"I'm going to be a Spur, they picked me," stated Blair. "I'm just negotiating my contract but I'm going to be a Spur and I plan on being one for a long time. I can't wait till it happens."
Summer League Games Live!
Twenty-one NBA teams are competing in the annual Las Vegas Summer League, and while you watch your favorite team play you'll get a chance to hear commentary from the coaches, GM's and other decision-makers for each team talk about roster moves! Sign up here to catch all the action live - or on demand - from Las Vegas! Today's action includes Eddy Curry going head-to-head with Hasheem Thabeet along with the first games for the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, and Washington Wizards!
Twenty-one NBA teams are competing in the annual Las Vegas Summer League, and while you watch your favorite team play you'll get a chance to hear commentary from the coaches, GM's and other decision-makers for each team talk about roster moves! Sign up here to catch all the action live - or on demand - from Las Vegas! Today's action includes Eddy Curry going head-to-head with Hasheem Thabeet along with the first games for the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, and Washington Wizards!
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