Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
DeJuan Blair finally has a new home. The former San Antonio Spurs big man landed with the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday, giving him a fresh start and a chance to finally make something of his career.
After four years with San Antonio, Blair averaged 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. The former second-round pick was considered a steal on draft day, but never got a huge chance to play more than 20 minutes per game.
In Dallas, he still might not get that chance. But, what he will get, is another great coach to work with in Rick Carlisle. Blair hasn’t been able develop his game much further since entering the NBA, and thus is simply just a relatively decent rebounder.
He’s somewhat of a liability at times on defense but still shoots the ball at a solid percentage. His defense will need some work, especially on a team like Dallas who already has an issue in that department.
With the signing of Samuel Dalembert and the re-signing of Brandan Wright, Blair will have to earn his minutes just as he was forced to do with the Spurs. Of course, Dirk Nowitzki will be taking up quite a few minutes in the front court as well.
The way I see it, unless Blair can find it within himself to up his game on the defensive end, he likely won’t get a ton of playing time — or at least, shouldn’t. His lack of tenacity on that end is discouraging to Mavericks fans and needs to be enforced. Blair has some upside, but the defensive side of his game has to be taken up a notch.
Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
