Chocolate City Jordanaire wrote:Ruzious wrote:rockymac52 wrote:I've been trying to come up with a consensus for what DeJuan Blair will cost in free agency this year, but haven't had much luck so far. There's absolutely no chance the Spurs re-sign him, or rather, that he re-signs with the Spurs. He has completely fallen out of the rotation, and his agent really pushed for him to be traded at the deadline. He's definitely going to be a free agent, and he'll sign with another team this season where he'll hopefully get more consistent playing time and perhaps more money. But that's my question... how much money is he going to cost?
Our only realistic shot at signing Blair is if he's willing to sign for $2 million/year or less. Due to his unique knee injury situation, and his recent lack of playing time, I think it's posssssible that we could pick him up for about $2 million/year, but that might be wishful thinking.
What do you guys think his value is? Not necessarily what he's worth, but what he's going to get as a free agent this summer.
Good question - keeping in mind that if we sign Webster, the chances are iffy that we'll have enough left of the MLE to afford Blair - but re-signing Webster is no automatic thing if Porter goes 3rd - which is still the most likely option, imo. The other free agent PF that I'd like the Wiz to consider is Brandan Wright - they're kinda like the Abbott & Costello (or Laurel & Hardy) of PF's - 1 is short and stumpy - the other tall and lanky. I suspect Blair goes a little cheaper than Wright - based on how consistent Wright has been. Otoh, Wright is likely seen as someone who can't handle major minutes. Maybe there are lingering questions about Blair's mysterious ACL, but that always seemed hokie to me since he never had a problem with it - as far as I know.
I drove the Blair bus in the past. I have to look at his years in SA a lot closer before I can say what I think he's worth now to the Wizards. His defense and some +/- stuff has not been compelling. Splitter rebounding as well and the Spurs a win away from the title make me see Blair less favorably.
Here is a link to a terrific read on why the Spurs were better without Blair.
http://www.poundingtherock.com/2012/4/1 ... tim-duncan
But OTOH Blair has a filthy good playoff career playoff PER. He had a 20/20 (or was it a 30/20 game?) as a rookie. He was a BEAST who I rated ahead of Blake Griffin in NCAAs (ironically for his rebounds, defense. and winning profile from HS and international junior play). Blair has at time very much looked like the player I said he would be prior to his draft.
Right now I think he's better bigger--he's lost weight. I believe Brandan Wright can supply what the Wizards need maybe better overall. I love Greg Smith's game. But Blair can definitely improve the Wizards in the right capacity at the right price.
I'm not saying Blair is going to be a stud or anything, I just think he's a very respectable backup big man, and this team would greatly benefit by adding a 5th big man to the mix of Nene, Okafor, Booker, and Seraphin. I don't trust Singleton or Vesely, and when Nene and Booker inevitably get hurt, I want to have better depth so we can avoid trotting out Singleton and Vesely, who will absolutely kill our productivity whenever they're in the game.
And with the presumption that we'd only be able to afford Blair if he signed for about $2 million, he'd be an incredible bargain at that price, so I'd be all in on that. I agree with you on Brandan Wright. That kid has some serious talent. But I have a feeling that he's going to be very difficult to pry away from Dallas, especially if all we have to lure him away is what's left of the MLE after re-signing Webster. Wright said publicly he wants to return to Dallas already, so I assume they'll give him a fair deal once they strike out on the Howard and Paul sweepstakes.
- love it...