DeJuan Blair

DeJuan Blair, #45 PF, University of Pittsburgh

Stengths:
- Plays bigger than what he really is due to his tough, physical play and 7'3" wingspan
- Uses his body well in the post on both the offensive and defensive ends
- Dominant player around the basket, very effective at rebounding using both hands
- Very efficient scorer averaging 15.6 ppg on 59.9% shooting
- Improved post game - soft hands, solid hook shot
- Capable of using either hand in the post

Weaknesses:
- Undersized PF by NBA standards
- Lacks explosiveness around the rim, resulting in several blocked shots per game
- Limited awareness of his positioning in the post
- Defensive liability, especially along the perimeter
- Can get into foul trouble fairly easily because of his physical style
- Does not appear to challenge himself to develop a short- to mid-range game

Summary:
DeJuan Blair is a 265 pound, 6'7" power forward. He is an undersized power forward by NBA standards, but several undersized power forward have performed well at the NBA level (Paul Millsap, Carlos Boozer, just to name a few). His lack of height and explosiveness makes it fairly easy for defenders to block his shots on the defensive end of the court, as well as shot over him on the offensive end of the court. There is no denying his strength and wingspan though. These attributes allow him to make up for some of his physical and athletic shortcomings. With a 7'3" wingspan, a knack for the ball and his strength, Blair is capable of grabbing rebounds with ease, doing so with both hands. He uses these three attributes to clear room and position himself for the rebound.

As far as his defensive abilities, Blair needs more work. In Pitt's four losses this year, Blair has found himself in foul trouble, fouling out in three of the four games. There are two reasons. First, he relys on his tough, gritty play, which may result in some fouls. Second, if there is a defensive switch and Blair is guarding along the perimeter, he is a liability. He is simply not quick enough.

Blair has shown improvement in his offensive production from his freshman to his sophmore year. In the same number of minutes per game, Blair is averaging four more points per game (11.6 ppg as a freshman, 15.6 ppg as a sophmore) on 59.9% shooting (up from 53.7% his freshman year). He has developed softer hands and the ability to use either hand to put the ball on the floor or to score. These improvements have resulted in an effective 6' hook shot in the paint. Unfortunately, Blair sometimes is unaware of his post presence, posting upbelow the lower block. When he makes a post move, he has found himself directly underneath the backboard where he has been known to force a shot. His offensive improvements are nice, but it would be nice to see him develop a short- to mid-range shot.

Projection: mid- to late- first rounder

Best fit:
- San Antonio Spurs: bringing in a young post player would be smart for the Spurs because it would allow Blair exposure to Tim Duncan, one of the best power forwards to play the game. Duncan's playing window is diminishing and it will be necessary for the team to begin looking for and grooming his replacment. San Antonio's half court offensive style could utilize Blair's strengths.
- Utah Jazz: Jerry Sloan's pick and roll offense has always revolved the PG and PF positions. Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap have both been on the receiving end of passes from Deron Williams lately. Both players have been able to finish rather effectively. With the uncertainty of whether Boozer will opt out and become a free agent, drafting a player like Blair could be a smart move. Blair plays a similar style of basketball to Boozer, and may be capable of filling a void if Boozer does indeed opt out.