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DeJuan Blair/Larry Johnson comparison
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Finestrg
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5/24/2009  2:54 AM
I understand LJ was a unique talent and a tremendous player (esp. during his younger days) and that DeJuan has a lot of work to do but if you look at these clips closely, I really think there are some similarities between the two here:







When it comes to pure "above the rim" athleticism and range on the jumper, there's no doubt a younger LJ has an edge on Blair at the moment but as far as post moves and footwork around the basket when executing an offensive move, it's almost like watching an LJ clone at times. In the LJ vid at 2:11, watch the move he puts on Oakley and tell me that's not the same move Blair puts on Thabeet in vid #3 at the :16 sec. mark. Countless other similarities when watching each operate in close - the rebounding ability (Blair's probably a superior rebounder), the way they use their bodies to gain position on a defender, etc... How 'bout the off-hand up and under move (LJ vid 5:22 - Blair vid #3 at :25 secs and again to close out the clip at :40 secs.)... Right now Blair's talking about getting ready for the draft, focusing on tightening up his jumper & handle and also doing drills to get quicker. He's on the record as saying he wants to start playing more above the rim now by building his leg muscles up and dropping about 12, 13 pounds (which is absolutely doable BTW - losing 12 pounds for a professional athlete that's committed is easy - Blair could lose that in a week maybe less). If he accomplishes his pre-draft goals I really think he may have a much higher ceiling than some realize - maybe more Larry Johnson-lite rather than Paul Millsap. In vid #2, Blair looks especially polished, quick & mobile ON BOTH ENDS. Any thoughts?

[Edited by - finestrg on 05-24-2009 04:26 AM]
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EnySpree
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5/24/2009  3:09 AM
I can't see the vids you posted yet cuz I'm on my phone....but id have to agree with you. Basically Blair is like an old LJ. The intensity and energy is spot on. Even the facial expressions and crazy laugh/smile thing LJ did is similiar to what Blair does after a play inside.

The guy can play no doubt. It will be interesting to see where these guys get drafted and what they do once their rookie season begins.
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Finestrg
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5/24/2009  3:20 AM
Posted by EnySpree:

I can't see the vids you posted yet cuz I'm on my phone....but id have to agree with you. Basically Blair is like an old LJ. The intensity and energy is spot on. Even the facial expressions and crazy laugh/smile thing LJ did is similiar to what Blair does after a play inside.

The guy can play no doubt. It will be interesting to see where these guys get drafted and what they do once their rookie season begins.

You're right, even their court demeanor is very similar. I really think this kid's gonna be a good one.
TMS
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5/24/2009  3:30 AM
i just saw him in 2 games this year, but from what i've seen Blair can't compare to LJ's explosiveness & athleticism when he was coming into the NBA tho... to me Blair looks alot more like LJ w/2 bad knees during his days on the Knicks than LJ in his younger days at Charlotte & UNLV... he's got some nice low post moves & crafty getting off his shots, & he does have a nice turn around fadeaway, but he's not exactly explosive & doesn't play above the rim the way LJ did in his prime, & that aspect is big especially for an undersized frontcourt player at the NBA level... LJ was the best player on that nasty Running Rebels crew at UNLV & dude could run the floor like a G & finish with some vicious rim rattling dunks... dunno if Blair can ever be the leader that LJ became for us but kid is definitely tenacious around the rim & not afraid to go right at a bigger opponent... seems like a good finisher around the rim w/a quick release on his layup just like D-Lee... how is he finishing w/his left hand? any idea?

personally i prefer to avoid any more undersized PF's if possible... i'd rather take Mullens, Christmas or Gibson if we nab an extra late round or early 2nd round pick, but if we take a flyer on Blair i'd be OK with it, as long as it's not the only pick or the first pick we're making in this draft.
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Finestrg
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5/24/2009  4:05 AM
Posted by TMS:

i just saw him in 2 games this year, but from what i've seen Blair can't compare to LJ's explosiveness & athleticism when he was coming into the NBA tho... to me Blair looks alot more like LJ w/2 bad knees during his days on the Knicks than LJ in his younger days at Charlotte & UNLV... he's got some nice low post moves & crafty getting off his shots, & he does have a nice turn around fadeaway, but he's not exactly explosive & doesn't play above the rim the way LJ did in his prime, & that aspect is big especially for an undersized frontcourt player at the NBA level... LJ was the best player on that nasty Running Rebels crew at UNLV & dude could run the floor like a G & finish with some vicious rim rattling dunks... dunno if Blair can ever be the leader that LJ became for us but kid is definitely tenacious around the rim & not afraid to go right at a bigger opponent... seems like a good finisher around the rim w/a quick release on his layup just like D-Lee... how is he finishing w/his left hand? any idea?

personally i prefer to avoid any more undersized PF's if possible... i'd rather take Mullens, Christmas or Gibson if we nab an extra late round or early 2nd round pick, but if we take a flyer on Blair i'd be OK with it, as long as it's not the only pick or the first pick we're making in this draft.

Right, I'd have to agree with that. No way I take Blair at 8 and call it a day. Blair does have a decent left hand btw - check out the last vid. against Thabeet - he beats him twice with his off-hand in that clip.


I really like this plan for us - It's an actual rebuild & I think it addresses practically everything we need in a short amount of time:

(1) Add either Curry or Teague at 8 to come in and run the show.
(2) Come up with the best young SG on the cheap somewhere (whether it's signing Almond to a reasonable deal or coming up with a good 2nd round shooter like Meeks, Taylor, Christmas, Vassallo, KC Rivers, Thorton...
(3) Obtain a low 1st rounder for cash + maybe 1 of our 2 2010 2nd rounders and bring Taj Gibson home.
(4) Once the draft's over, focus on S&T deals for Lee and Nate -- For Lee, I consider dealing him to the team that's willing to give me an expiring contract or two (hopefully at least one being a decent player), the rights to DeJuan Blair and possibly a future pick. And for Nate, I want expiring contracts (again a usefully player or two would be preferred) along with a 2010 1st rounder projected to go no later than 15 (so I'd be looking to deal with a middle-of-the-road team or worse -- a team that's not expected to do too much next year).
(5) If they're looking to replace pretty much exactly what Nate brings and they can't find it elsewhere, I'd give Jack McClinton a look if he goes undrafted.
(6) Evaulate the play of AJ Ogilvy next year and see if he makes any sense for us as a center. Also, monitor the play of Cole Aldrich and Jerome Jordan - another 2 intriguing center prospects that chose to go back to school and tighten up their games.
(7) Bring a big 2010 FA or two in here. Hopefully we'll have enough in place to possibly lure LeBron here. If not, life goes on, and you look at whoever else makes sense.

[Edited by - finestrg on 05-24-2009 04:19 AM]
EnySpree
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5/24/2009  4:16 AM
Posted by TMS:

i just saw him in 2 games this year, but from what i've seen Blair can't compare to LJ's explosiveness & athleticism when he was coming into the NBA tho... to me Blair looks alot more like LJ w/2 bad knees during his days on the Knicks than LJ in his younger days at Charlotte & UNLV... he's got some nice low post moves & crafty getting off his shots, & he does have a nice turn around fadeaway, but he's not exactly explosive & doesn't play above the rim the way LJ did in his prime, & that aspect is big especially for an undersized frontcourt player at the NBA level... LJ was the best player on that nasty Running Rebels crew at UNLV & dude could run the floor like a G & finish with some vicious rim rattling dunks... dunno if Blair can ever be the leader that LJ became for us but kid is definitely tenacious around the rim & not afraid to go right at a bigger opponent... seems like a good finisher around the rim w/a quick release on his layup just like D-Lee... how is he finishing w/his left hand? any idea?

personally i prefer to avoid any more undersized PF's if possible... i'd rather take Mullens, Christmas or Gibson if we nab an extra late round or early 2nd round pick, but if we take a flyer on Blair i'd be OK with it, as long as it's not the only pick or the first pick we're making in this draft.

I don't think anyone is ever gonna say Blair is LJ in his prime....LJ was headed toward being one of the best power fwds that ever played when he was in his prime. The similarities start and end with LJ as a Knick.

It's sick though cuz I can't see a guy like Blair flopping in the NBA. He takes pleasure in what he does out there. He looks like he loved the game. Comparing him to other thick guys like say Tractor Traylor and Mike Sweetney...He posesses the same talent as these guys, but like I'm suggesting....its his fire. The enthusiasm is crazy. Maybe he's Jason Maxiel part two....Wayman Tisdale(rip)??? Antoine Carr??? I think this is the type of player he'll be...a spot starter/superb bench guy....A dude like Antoine Carr never really had the opportunity to start, but he could have. He just always played behind better players.
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TMS
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5/24/2009  4:17 AM
i would have no problem w/your plan but you know Donnie's not gonna go that route... Dolan is Jonesing bigtime to get back into the playoffs & he's not gonna fill up the roster w/all those young kids & prospects this offseason... i don't expect us to buy up any extra picks either cuz we never do... i think the only chance we have of landing an extra pick in this draft that i can maybe picture happening is if Donnie trades down from #8 because Curry is no longer on the board, which i doubt will happen either... i think Curry's gonna be there & the Knicks are gonna take him cuz they got a severe hard on for the guy apparently.

trading Lee & Nate for picks in the 2010 draft should be a given at this point but i dunno if we can even expect Donnie to do that either when he obviously didn't think it was important to do so at last year's trading deadline... it's at least encouraging to hear Donnie say in his post lottery interview that he wanted to get the Knicks a pick in next year's draft... whether he follows through on it or not remains to be seen... IMHO the more picks we amass in next year's draft, the better... that will give him some serious flexibility to either move up in the lottery to take a bigtime prospect, or to include in offseason trades during the big free agent bonanza in case we miss out on the top names.
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TMS
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5/24/2009  4:19 AM
Posted by EnySpree:
Posted by TMS:

i just saw him in 2 games this year, but from what i've seen Blair can't compare to LJ's explosiveness & athleticism when he was coming into the NBA tho... to me Blair looks alot more like LJ w/2 bad knees during his days on the Knicks than LJ in his younger days at Charlotte & UNLV... he's got some nice low post moves & crafty getting off his shots, & he does have a nice turn around fadeaway, but he's not exactly explosive & doesn't play above the rim the way LJ did in his prime, & that aspect is big especially for an undersized frontcourt player at the NBA level... LJ was the best player on that nasty Running Rebels crew at UNLV & dude could run the floor like a G & finish with some vicious rim rattling dunks... dunno if Blair can ever be the leader that LJ became for us but kid is definitely tenacious around the rim & not afraid to go right at a bigger opponent... seems like a good finisher around the rim w/a quick release on his layup just like D-Lee... how is he finishing w/his left hand? any idea?

personally i prefer to avoid any more undersized PF's if possible... i'd rather take Mullens, Christmas or Gibson if we nab an extra late round or early 2nd round pick, but if we take a flyer on Blair i'd be OK with it, as long as it's not the only pick or the first pick we're making in this draft.

I don't think anyone is ever gonna say Blair is LJ in his prime....LJ was headed toward being one of the best power fwds that ever played when he was in his prime. The similarities start and end with LJ as a Knick.

It's sick though cuz I can't see a guy like Blair flopping in the NBA. He takes pleasure in what he does out there. He looks like he loved the game. Comparing him to other thick guys like say Tractor Traylor and Mike Sweetney...He posesses the same talent as these guys, but like I'm suggesting....its his fire. The enthusiasm is crazy. Maybe he's Jason Maxiel part two....Wayman Tisdale(rip)??? Antoine Carr??? I think this is the type of player he'll be...a spot starter/superb bench guy....A dude like Antoine Carr never really had the opportunity to start, but he could have. He just always played behind better players.

Maxiell is more athletic & explosive than Blair is too... Blair seems more like Sweetney with some fire in his belly... i think he'll be a solid role player, maybe even more if his drive to be good matches Sweetney's expanding waistline.
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firefly
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5/24/2009  7:34 AM
I disagree entirely. How the hell is DB gonna bend his arms into a D?!

Seriously tho, I see the similarities, but I always think its unfair on both athletes to try comparing a newbie to one of most clutch players in Knick history. LJ worked hard at his game constantly, especially after his back went and was a better scorer then given credit for. DB is huge and VERY strong, with a few post moves, but I would be loath to say he will be the next anyone until he proves it on the court.
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Paladin55
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5/24/2009  9:40 AM
Blair does not have Johnson's outside game and overall finesse .... period.

With that said, if by some chance he was around in the 20's, and we could buy/trade up, he would be a nice player to have. Every team should have an enforcer. especially a team like ours with no major interior defender. Having a guy who can mix it up in the middle, commit some hard fouls, and gobble up rebounds for short periods of time in a game would be a nice thing to have.
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EnySpree
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5/24/2009  12:44 PM
Posted by Paladin55:

Blair does not have Johnson's outside game and overall finesse .... period.

With that said, if by some chance he was around in the 20's, and we could buy/trade up, he would be a nice player to have. Every team should have an enforcer. especially a team like ours with no major interior defender. Having a guy who can mix it up in the middle, commit some hard fouls, and gobble up rebounds for short periods of time in a game would be a nice thing to have.

what is wrong with saying a player is similiar to another layer....it doesn't mean anyone is saying he will be this player....its just they resemble each other....similiar....that's it.

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SupremeCommander
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5/24/2009  12:53 PM
In my opinion Blair has done nothing to earn a Larry Johnson comparison
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EnySpree
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5/24/2009  12:58 PM
Posted by SupremeCommander:

In my opinion Blair has done nothing to earn a Larry Johnson comparison

are you blind?....i just said the guy is similiar...nobody is saying the guy is going to be like LJ...we are talking mannerisms and style of play....nobody is saying the guy is gonna average 20/10 or make 4 pt plays in at the biggest stage...

yo man wtf is wrong with you guys?
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SupremeCommander
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5/24/2009  1:10 PM
Posted by EnySpree:
Posted by SupremeCommander:

In my opinion Blair has done nothing to earn a Larry Johnson comparison

are you blind?....i just said the guy is similiar...nobody is saying the guy is going to be like LJ...we are talking mannerisms and style of play....nobody is saying the guy is gonna average 20/10 or make 4 pt plays in at the biggest stage...

yo man wtf is wrong with you guys?

are you kidding *me*? I understand that the argument here is about play style, but bottom line is Blair's style has not impacted the game in terms of winning and dominance the way Larry Johnson's style did. The reason LJ could make those moves in the pros was because of how much of a beast he was when he was healthy and LJ actually accomplished noteworthy things before changing his style. What has Blair accomplished that is in the same stratosphere of success that LJ did?

So step the eff off
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EnySpree
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5/24/2009  1:19 PM
Posted by SupremeCommander:
Posted by EnySpree:
Posted by SupremeCommander:

In my opinion Blair has done nothing to earn a Larry Johnson comparison

are you blind?....i just said the guy is similiar...nobody is saying the guy is going to be like LJ...we are talking mannerisms and style of play....nobody is saying the guy is gonna average 20/10 or make 4 pt plays in at the biggest stage...

yo man wtf is wrong with you guys?

are you kidding *me*? I understand that the argument here is about play style, but bottom line is Blair's style has not impacted the game in terms of winning and dominance the way Larry Johnson's style did. The reason LJ could make those moves in the pros was because of how much of a beast he was when he was healthy and LJ actually accomplished noteworthy things before changing his style. What has Blair accomplished that is in the same stratosphere of success that LJ did?

So step the eff off

after what I said you just go right ahead making the same dumb arguement....when there is no arguement.....like we have been typing...and I have been typing....nobody is saying Blair is LJ in his prime, or even the cripple LJ as a Knick.....we are talking similiar body and enthusiam...an older LJ...I also mentioned that Blair probably will turn out like Tractor, Wayman Tisdale(rip), or Antoine Carr....

so my question to you is why are you so blind and retarded?

you just read one line and then decided to rant "uh uhhhhhLJ is better because he was the bestest" speech....I mean TMS already did it before you and we answered him.....then here you come with the same ****....

so do you read threads before you respond or do you just like to come in and bang your chest like you know more than anyone here?
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SupremeCommander
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5/24/2009  2:08 PM
Posted by EnySpree:
Posted by SupremeCommander:
Posted by EnySpree:
Posted by SupremeCommander:

In my opinion Blair has done nothing to earn a Larry Johnson comparison

are you blind?....i just said the guy is similiar...nobody is saying the guy is going to be like LJ...we are talking mannerisms and style of play....nobody is saying the guy is gonna average 20/10 or make 4 pt plays in at the biggest stage...

yo man wtf is wrong with you guys?

are you kidding *me*? I understand that the argument here is about play style, but bottom line is Blair's style has not impacted the game in terms of winning and dominance the way Larry Johnson's style did. The reason LJ could make those moves in the pros was because of how much of a beast he was when he was healthy and LJ actually accomplished noteworthy things before changing his style. What has Blair accomplished that is in the same stratosphere of success that LJ did?

So step the eff off

after what I said you just go right ahead making the same dumb arguement....when there is no arguement.....like we have been typing...and I have been typing....nobody is saying Blair is LJ in his prime, or even the cripple LJ as a Knick.....we are talking similiar body and enthusiam...an older LJ...I also mentioned that Blair probably will turn out like Tractor, Wayman Tisdale(rip), or Antoine Carr....

so my question to you is why are you so blind and retarded?

you just read one line and then decided to rant "uh uhhhhhLJ is better because he was the bestest" speech....I mean TMS already did it before you and we answered him.....then here you come with the same ****....

so do you read threads before you respond or do you just like to come in and bang your chest like you know more than anyone here?

I think your comparison is trash
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TMS
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5/24/2009  2:40 PM
Posted by EnySpree:

so my question to you is why are you so blind and retarded?

you just read one line and then decided to rant "uh uhhhhhLJ is better because he was the bestest" speech....I mean TMS already did it before you and we answered him.....then here you come with the same ****....

hey! i'm not blind... maybe a little retarded but it's early.
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EnySpree
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5/24/2009  3:11 PM
Posted by TMS:
Posted by EnySpree:

so my question to you is why are you so blind and retarded?

you just read one line and then decided to rant "uh uhhhhhLJ is better because he was the bestest" speech....I mean TMS already did it before you and we answered him.....then here you come with the same ****....

hey! i'm not blind... maybe a little retarded but it's early.


not saying you blind TMS...im just annoyed with SupremeCommander...whats the point of commenting if you not gonna read and be apart of the conversation???
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TMS
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5/24/2009  3:15 PM
Posted by EnySpree:
Posted by TMS:
Posted by EnySpree:

so my question to you is why are you so blind and retarded?

you just read one line and then decided to rant "uh uhhhhhLJ is better because he was the bestest" speech....I mean TMS already did it before you and we answered him.....then here you come with the same ****....

hey! i'm not blind... maybe a little retarded but it's early.


not saying you blind TMS...im just annoyed with SupremeCommander...whats the point of commenting if you not gonna read and be apart of the conversation???

word caca.
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Finestrg
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5/24/2009  3:18 PM
Posted by EnySpree:
Posted by TMS:
Posted by EnySpree:

so my question to you is why are you so blind and retarded?

you just read one line and then decided to rant "uh uhhhhhLJ is better because he was the bestest" speech....I mean TMS already did it before you and we answered him.....then here you come with the same ****....

hey! i'm not blind... maybe a little retarded but it's early.


not saying you blind TMS...im just annoyed with SupremeCommander...whats the point of commenting if you not gonna read and be apart of the conversation???

Don't even bother getting worked up Eny. Not everyone, in fact not too many at all to be honest, but there are a few Godfathers and professors around here who think their opinions are Gospel and others are trash. That's just how it is man. Nothing you can do... LOL! Some guys just don't get it - we're talking similarities here people, not carbon copies. The proof is in the pudding - not only did I supply three clips to look at but I told you specifically where to look. And I also gave a little insight into what Blair plans to accomplish in the hopes of getting even better. After watching these clips side by side and after reading the Givony interview with Blair on Draftexpress.com, if you can't acknowledge that there are a few similarities between Blair & LJ, specifically when it comes to play around the basket, with the possibility of perhaps even more to follow provided Blair does indeed further his game some, then I don't know what the hell to tell some of you...

[Edited by - finestrg on 05-24-2009 3:18 PM]
DeJuan Blair/Larry Johnson comparison

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