Former Panthers DeJuan Blair and Sam Young Kick Off NBA Preseason

DeJuan Blair and Sam Young kicked off their NBA preseasons on Thursday and both shined.

Despite playing only 19 minutes, Blair again made the case that he should play more as his 12 points and 8 rebounds both led the San Antonio Spurs. He also managed to lead the team in shots attempted (11). That additional playing time may be coming sooner rather than later as Blair started the game at power forward alongside future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan, who played at center.

Sam Young also had a good game, tallying 13 points on 4-8 shooting in 24 minutes of action. Young, however, could be hard pressed to find time as the Memphis Grizzlies' other key shooting guards and small forwards include starters O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay, reserve Tony Allen, and rookies Xavier Henry and Greivis Vasquez.

Young's Grizzlies beat the Atlanta Hawks while Blair and the Spurs were defeated by the Houston Rockets.