DeJuan Blair revitalized with Dallas Mavericks

It wasn't so long ago that DeJuan Blair was impressing as a rookie for the San Antonio Spurs after being taken in the second round of the NBA Draft. Blair, though, fell out of favor with the Spurs and I wrote before that it was a virtual impossibility that he would remain in San Antonio.

Blair signed this offseason with the Dallas Mavericks and hasn't looked back. After seeing a significant drop in his minutes last year, the forward has made the most out of increased playing time this season.

The former Pitt star got only 14 minutes per game last year, but is recording just over 21 each night this season. Even though, that isn't any more than he was getting earlier in his career, Blair is having perhaps his best year. He's averaging 9.0 points per game, and career-highs in rebounds (7.6), steals (1.5), and assists (1.3). Blair's 7.6 boards also lead the Mavericks and that's pretty amazing considering he doesn't even start and plays somewhat limited minutes.

I'm glad Blair got a chance to leave San Antonio as he was clearly losing favor there for whatever reason. Leaving gave Blair the chance to revive a once promising career and it's good to see him get another shot. He'll also get the chance to face his old team on December 26th in Dallas.

Think that one's circled on his calendar?

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