Truth & Rumors > NBA

Blair rocketing up draft boards

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Over the past four weeks, former Pitt star DeJuan Blair has trained harder than he had in his life. For five or six hours a day, Blair endured training sessions at the gym, in the weight room and on the treadmill at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Thanks to the regimented workout schedule and a strict diet, Blair sweated away more than 30 pounds. His new and improved body (he now weighs in at 275 pounds) and his impressive workouts for NBA scouts have solidified his position as a first-round selection in the NBA draft June 25, and he is on the cusp of being a lottery pick. Blair has rocketed up draft boards after spending a month in Florida, where he proved that he can be disciplined with his diet and demonstrated a tremendous desire to compete.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

DeJuan Blair, Andy Lyons/Getty Images DeJuan Blair, Andy Lyons/Getty Images
June 8, 2009  07:43 AM ET

Sure till he gets that fat NBA contract and swells up like a tick, or Eddy Curry.

June 8, 2009  08:00 AM ET

But the guy was good and effective w/ the weight on. Is he suddenly going to fly now because he is lighter? Will he still be able to bang down low? Does he have an outside shot now?

June 8, 2009  08:23 AM ET

If he can work like big baby in Boston, he maybe a effective backup.

June 8, 2009  08:45 AM ET

good for him-
he was a great college player and has shown the desire
to work on the only flaw he could (the guy ain't getting taller)

He'll be a solid NBA player- down the road for someone

June 8, 2009  08:47 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

Sure till he gets that fat NBA contract and swells up like a tick, or Eddy Curry.

I've seen him play alot- he certainly might fatten up-
he's simply a big dude-
but he has a work ethic AND heart-
Curry has neither, it really isn't fair to compare him to that slob

June 8, 2009  08:55 AM ET

I see him as a Jason Maxiell who rebounds better. This is a good pick to any team who will nab him. In a draft class that is star-challenged, being able to get a hustle player is the next best thing.

June 8, 2009  09:10 AM ET
QUOTE(#6):

I see him as a Jason Maxiell who rebounds better. This is a good pick to any team who will nab him. In a draft class that is star-challenged, being able to get a hustle player is the next best thing.

He is more of an Oliver Miller type of player then Maxiel. Maxiel is a high flying player. Blair uses his size to bully some rebounds and get some shots off. Blair has no hops but is very smart underneath.

June 8, 2009  09:30 AM ET
QUOTE(#7):

He is more of an Oliver Miller type of player then Maxiel. Maxiel is a high flying player. Blair uses his size to bully some rebounds and get some shots off. Blair has no hops but is very smart underneath.

Maxiel is not a high flyer by any means. I agree with Kukoy on this one.

June 8, 2009  09:30 AM ET

Maybe the Bucks can redo the Robert "tractor" Traylor draft pick all over again. Too bad they are not able to pick a future hall of famer first and then trade him away like they did with Nowitzki.

June 8, 2009  09:35 AM ET

dont be a bunch of haters!! This guy was a beast the last few years and with improved physical abilities he will take his blue collar game to the NBA... a shorter version of David Lee...

June 8, 2009  09:44 AM ET
QUOTE(#4):

good for him- he was a great college player and has shown the desireto work on the only flaw he could (the guy ain't getting taller)He'll be a solid NBA player- down the road for someone

That's exactly what I was thinking - good for him. He needs to work hard if he doesn't want to be the next Mark Sweetney.

June 8, 2009  09:45 AM ET
QUOTE(#10):

a shorter version of David Lee...

???

How are their games similar at all?

June 8, 2009  09:53 AM ET

Wasn't there just a post in this very same section on Saturday about how teams were shying away because he measured 6'5 1/2" in stocking feet?

SI, seriously, you're a joke now.

June 8, 2009  10:00 AM ET

A donut away from being the next Eddy Curry

June 8, 2009  10:06 AM ET
QUOTE(#6):

I see him as a Jason Maxiell who rebounds better

these undersized (height) guys are all similar in their limitations
but Blair was an extremely effective player in school in both stats
and overall team success.....so he's not only more polished than
that type of guy- but he's played in big games and has had
real success ala- big baby......granted college doesn't translate to
the pro game- ESPECIALLY in bigs....but as someone said above-
with the limited # of 'sure-things' available- taking this guy in the
teens ain't a bad pick

June 8, 2009  10:08 AM ET
QUOTE(#14):

A donut away from being the next Eddy Curry

see my post at #5
comparing ANYONE to Curry is a significant insult & I don't think
fair- considering we've watched the guy bst it every game-

you think curry would've fought for the rebound & flipped thabeet over? Hell no- curry wouldn't have even been involved in the play....lol

June 8, 2009  10:12 AM ET
QUOTE(#15):

these undersized (height) guys are all similar in their limitationsbut Blair was an extremely effective player in school in both statsand overall team success.....so he's not only more polished than that type of guy- but he's played in big games and has hadreal success ala- big baby......granted college doesn't translate tothe pro game- ESPECIALLY in bigs....but as someone said above-with the limited # of 'sure-things' available- taking this guy in the teens ain't a bad pick

If he keeps his weight down and trains post-draft like he has pre-draft he could become a pretty good PF, because he plays great defense,is tough,loves to bang and rebound,has a underrated post game and can shoot decently from inside 10 ft. I would love him on the spurs we need a guy like this to help Duncan man the fort....

June 8, 2009  10:17 AM ET
QUOTE(#16):

see my post at #5comparing ANYONE to Curry is a significant insult & I don't thinkfair- considering we've watched the guy bst it every game-you think curry would've fought for the rebound & flipped thabeet over? Hell no- curry wouldn't have even been involved in the play....lol

Was Curry not involved in the play because he was sitting courtside eating a plate of nachos???

ha ha

June 8, 2009  10:48 AM ET

Blair is a huge risk not a lot of players of his height and weight has made it in the league, I am impressed so far with Glen Davis and hopes he can keep it up, but I dont see Blair making a impact in the league or even starting, he will get drafted and then get sent down to the Dleague and may end up playing over seas! Just a prediction

 
June 8, 2009  10:50 AM ET

What about reports questioning his knees? I saw that he was potentially red-flagged but his agent is trying to downplay it. I heard he was impressive and has a good wingspan but the potential for injuries (ala Greg Oden) is scaring some GMs.

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