I was being sarcastic. Nobody in their right mind thinks Blair will be an all-star. Therefore, saying a guy who was a 2nd round pick, drafted at #37, won't be an all-star (as if it's a knock on him) is very "duh". Any player drafted at #37 that is useful on a championship contender for 2-3 years is a home-run pick. The Spurs don't need Blair to be an all-star. If he effectively spells TD for 10-15 mins/game, Pop and the Spurs will be very happy. They aren't expecting a 10-year career from him. He was a short-term type of pick, not a developmental guy that could grow into something special. When TD retires, Pop will go with him and the Spurs will sink into oblivion. ghettocheeze, I saw through Donte Greene after 2 summer league contests. I've said several times that because his 40-pointer came in the opening pre-season game, he grabbed everyone's attention and his value was inflated beyond all sense. But it was obvious to me he was an undedicated, weak softy who wouldn't amount to anything. Because of his brute strength and size, Blair has one skill that easily translates to the next level. The key is can he defend without fouling too much. If so, he will produce far beyond his rookie contract if healthy.
He reminds me a lot of Elton Brand. He doesn't have that rebounding yet, but his scoring inside and outside just remind of Elton Brand's game. He'll improve to become a great player in this league someday.
Still a very low risk player for a team like the spurs who are already stacked. It would be a gift to have him turn out to be a very productive player and stay injury free.
I was pretty shocked in the draft that Blair fell so far in the draft, but realistically, teams didn't pass on him because they didn't think he wouldn't be able to play on day 1, but that he wouldn't be able to play for very long. If Blair goes down with an injury on his rookie contract, it won't matter how many double-doubles he puts up; one knee injury and he's done, there's basically no way he can rehab. If you think of him as a 3-4 year free agent signing with an injury risk to put a contending team over the top, rather than a 10 year fixture of a young nucleus, he looks like a great acquisition; even if he gets hurt and can't play, they've still got Duncan and Dice to man the pivots. For a rebuilding team who might not be a true contender for at least 3-4 years? Blair's quite the risk to build around, without nearly the game-changing ability that makes Yao worth a similar gamble.
If they can reshape yaos feet, I am sure they will find a way to fix him. Most draft picks are busts anyway. All I know is blair crushed thabeet when it counted.
Nice call Fact is that Blair didn't miss any college basketball due to his knees. But you can forgive most GMs for passing on him in the first round - short and with something missing in his knees (he has no tendons or something?) That's 2 red flags right there - but they might be things he is able to overcome (looks like it so far!)
Who cares if his knees break down, you're not in the position to say when it will. The Spurs are contenders this season, so he will play a big role in that. You don't pickup a player to keep him forever with you. The ring is what everyone is after. And I feel the Spurs can get it again.
In preseason. With Dice and TD in Blair won't get enough burn to compile a double double. Also as Hi Mana said he's basically a ticking time bomb. One injury and he's done. Great value for a 2nd round pick on a contender, not so much as a 1st round rebuilding team.
Honestly what player isn't? Is Kobe immune to a serious injury? Lebron? Amare has extremely sensitive eyes, any poke and it could end his career. I doubt that teams will hold that against him.
That's why he's wearing goggle-shades. What do you mean teams won't hold it against him? Of course teams will hold it against him, Amare has a max contract. What happens if he becomes blind in one eye and has to retire, you'd still have to pay his salary even if he isn't playing.
Regarding the matter about Kobe and co, they aren't immune to serious injury, but they still have a chance to recover. Blair tears a ligament somewhere, and he might end up crippled for life...
blair will be fine he will have a long nba career spurs or not he will be a winner and prove all the doubters wrong
