DeJuan Blair Will Start for the Spurs

Pop saw enough good things from Blair this summer to pencil him in as a starter going forward, something DeJuan is grateful for. The Express-News reports:  “At age 21, DeJuan Blair is about to become the youngest opening night starter for the Spurs since 20-year-old Tony Parker was on the floor for the opening tip of the 2002-03 season. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will send Blair out with Tim Duncan, Richard Jefferson, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili to open tonight’s final preseason game at the AT&T Center against the Houston Rockets. He affirmed that the same group will begin the season as his starting unit. Blair dedicated his rookie season to proving the 29 teams that passed on selecting him in the 2009 draft had made a major mistake. His ascension to a starting spot on one of the NBA’s elite teams is gratifying affirmation of his place in the NBA. ‘Starting in the NBA is a big thing for anybody who’s in the NBA,’ he said. ‘Getting minutes is another big thing, and being smart. He’s giving me the opportunity, and I’m going to take full advantage of it and try to be the best I can be.'”