Comments on: Blake Griffin is No DeJuan Blair

By: jake

jake — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:59:59 +0000

Ryan, I agree – I think Blake as a much better shot at being ROY – but he also has somewhat of a different game and approach. Blair is a great rebounder and focuses on that, as he knows it’s what will help his team. I believe Griffin has a better set of skills to help him score in various ways. Both these guys are hard workers and I can’t wait to see them play this season, only 13 more days to go.

By: ryan

ryan — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:13:01 +0000

Finally, I was @ summer league and as much as it pains me to say it as a warriors fan, but Blake Griffin will crush Mr Blair in the ROY discussion. And publicity will have nothing to do with it. Hes as good as Boozer is, today. His game is not as rounded, but he scores in the open court much better, and convets on the offensive glass better, which is quite a statement. And range is deeper. With a healthy Baron Blake is a 20 10 guy year one.
…Just about to hit “Post Comment” when I realized Mike Dunleavy is still alive. Hmmmmm

By: ryan

ryan — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:06:42 +0000

Also, perhaps Blair will have a nice rookie season, but whos to say how long he lasts, and for teams who do not have Tim Duncan on thier roster, a two or three year role player is not what fits them best. Sure, it will be a good couple years, but for a weaker team with an expanded role, without Tim (@ practice, off court and in game), how much is he really gonna help you? Millsap is a great parallel. Great heart, great motor, works hard enough to master fundamental moves, but if youre paying him more than 4 mil a year you’re hindering your teams potential.

By: ryan

ryan — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:01:57 +0000

Nice points and a well formulated piece of campaign propaganda, but to be completly objective one must mention the Spurs innate ability to make these type of picks consistently, and not just make the pick, but to give them the best chance at success. Question is, is it the system, the coaches, or just a testament to the greatness of Big Fundys?
Think well find out in 2 years.

By: Jake

Jake — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:06:43 +0000

With DeJuan, preseason or not, gotta like what you see so far. I think he got on with a good team in San Antonio which will for sure help him along and teach him alot of things that will help him on his NBA journey. This year will be a big year for him to help contribute to a team alot of people are expecting to make a run at the title.

By: Zachariah Blott

Zachariah Blott — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:16:55 +0000

To some degree I agree, but predictions for the regular season have to come from somewhere. In Blair’s case, his preseason production mimics his college production and what he did in the summer league, so I feel safe in saying he should do alright once the games count. Obviously I wouldn’t make any team predictions based on these games because a) they don’t play to win, and b) coaches are messing with lineups and chemistry to see what works.

By: MenoRikey

MenoRikey — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:45:11 +0000

You’re putting an awful lot of stock into the preseason.

By: Zachariah Blott

Zachariah Blott — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:35:07 +0000

I know, but I didn’t want to drag one of “those” games into this discussion. For the record, Blair scored 9 points in 11 minutes (2-4 FG, 5-6 FT), had 2 boards, and grabbed 2 steals. I don’t want to say it until Wednesday night after he faces Griffin, but it sounds like he’s 3-for-3 in good games. His rate of getting to the line is ridiculous, probably because he establishes perfect rebounding position and taller opponents try to go over his back to get the ball, consequently fouling him. They should learn from Thabeet and Carl Landry (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2009/10/08/dejuan-blair-whirlpool-for-loose-limbs/) if they want to preserve their limbs.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:48:45 +0000

The Heat game was actually Blair’s third. They played Olympiacos 2nd.