http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports/blair_the_rookie_to_watch_sx8Mzh9KHNpsxYaW46iKsI/1

Blair's the rookie to watch
By PETER VECSEY

Last Updated: 7:04 AM, October 20, 2009

Posted: 4:32 AM, October 20, 2009

ASIDE from Blake Griffin, who should have been drafted higher last June by my Paper Clips than first overall, which rising rookies are playing big and, in many cases, better than their selected slot?

Smoke signals from scouts scattered throughout the NBA foothills report the following:

Every GM who bypassed DeJuan Blair has filed a claim that doctors made them do it. Did Pittsburgh post-up physical product own discouraging medical testimony?

No doubt. Still, there were some talent inspectors who sized up 6-6, 20-year-old as being too small to hang fire at macho forward; supposedly he'd struggle to score.

At No. 37, the Spurs risked little and their reward has been 14.2 points and 7.8 boards in fewer than 19 minutes per exhibition. Imagine how gaudy the numbers would be if his knees had ligaments.

Rodrigue Beaubois is shamefully good for a No. 25 choice. Contention is Mr. Cool is faster than Devin Harris, as well as being a superior shooter and more adroit passer. A precocious decision maker, he just needs to reign in his ****iness a tinge. If Mavericks were a bad team minus Jason Kidd, he'd start and be candidate for rookie honors. Instead, Rick Carlisle most likely will bring him along slowly.

Already Terrence Williams is proving, contrary to advance notices, No. 11 pick can flick more than a lick from deep. Consistency is what it's all about. If defensive demon becomes more reliable Nets have themselves an supple stats' stuffer.

Brandon Jennings is amphetamine quick and is the eyes of the receiver.

"Guess he isn't all talk," one old-timer e-mailed approvingly. No. 10 pick wants to pass, always a positive thing when play-stopper Michael Redd is intended target.

Bucks' operators are standing by waiting for bids on Luke Ridnour. Of course, Jennings will suffer through the normal irregularities of a high school kid barely boasting one (underutilized) year in Italy. Nevertheless, his 3-point form will improve, as will his coverage because he listens, learns and labors. Would have invigorated Madison Square Garden, but that's now the job and domain of Jordan Hill.

Taj Gibson (No. 26) is exciting observers with his inside activity and predatory instincts. James Johnson, snared 10 slots before at No. 16, is delighting witnesses with his passing and effortless offensive array. Both Bulls had our full attention until Tyrus Thomas was healthy enough to perform at a whole 'nother plateau. However, Johnson's spin cycle on baseline past two (or was it three?) defenders reminded at least one bystander of Dr. J. in his Rucker infancy. So what if Johnson blew the drive! He made the miss look easy.

DeMar DeRozan, No. 9, is being given every opportunity to stake a claim to starters' minutes by the Raptors. Agile, nice touch, good mid-range jumper, runs floor and can get behind enemy lines and make it pay off.

Kings made Tyreke Evans the fourth pick in the draft, envisioning the 6-7 brute as starting at the point despite being converted to the position one short college season ago. Nothing has happened to change Paul Westphal's mind.

Chase Budinger, drafted by the Pistons at No. 44 and dealt to the Rockets, possesses two great NBA attributes; he knows how to get open by moving without the ball, and when it's delivered, the 6-9 Volleyball player spikes it from 3.

What surprises talent evaluators most about official scorer Stephen Curry (No. 7) is the Warriors' distribution capabilities and defensive acumen/quick hands that generate steals. We saw enough of Dell's pro career to know his son inherited those qualities from mom.

John Kuester started Jonas Jerebko in Tayshaun Prince's spot and he responded with 12 points. Has No. 39 pick moved ahead of Chris Wilcox and Jason Maxiell (struggled in both recent road games) in the rotation? It's doubtful.

Sixer backcourt of Lou Williams and Andre Iguodala is slowly adjusting to Eddie Jordan's Princeton offense; assist/turnover ratio is ridiculously lousy. Does that mean alluring Jrue Holiday (No. 17) will force a shift of Williams to 2-guard? Probably not, at least at the git-go; should Iggy go to small forward, Thaddeus Young must play power forward, and that means Elton Brand transplanting to center.

While some coaches prefer players that fit stereotypical molds, others simply embrace them for their pure packages. Combo guard Jeff Teague has get-to-the-halo quickness and promises to complement Hawks veteran backcourt . . . if Mike Woodson sees fit to use him.

Already the Timberwolves coaching staff has indicated Jonny Flynn and Ramon Sessions can't play together. Something about looking for their own shot too often and not recognizing the open man enough . . . or understanding Al Jefferson commands a touch each possession.
On the other hand, Flynn exudes leadership. Momentarily lacking in caretaking competence, his heart and head figure (eight assists in one game so far) to get him through the night until it comes naturally.

Believe me, he's not the only player (or assistant) lost trying to ascertain Kurt Rambis' Triangle Offense. For all anyone knows, the system actually might be a Trapezoid.

Sam Young (No. 36) and DeMarre Carroll (No. 27) appear more prepared at this time for NBA duty than Hasheem Thabeet (No. 2) . . . James Harden (No. 3) should start for Oklahoma . . . Add Gerald Henderson (No. 12, Bobcats) to the list of players Donnie Walsh should've snatched at No. 8 . . . Earl Clark (No. 14) will have a more productive season than Channing Frye . . . A.J. Price (No. 52) would make the Pacers if I were in charge . . . Tony Douglas (No. 29, Knicks, is Dean Meminger with a jump shot . . . Marcus Landry (undrafted) has shown same worth ethic and toughness with Knicks as brother Carl in Houston . . . Eric Maynor (No. 20, Jazz) acts like he belongs . . . Most of my consultants believe Austin Daye (No. 15, Pistons) will pay large dividends sooner than later . . . Jodie Meeks (No. 41, Bucks) was outstanding in Las Vegas Summer League but has yet to repeat tremendous long range sniping n pre-season . . . Can Lester Hudson (No. 58, Celtics) flat out score on anybody or what?!

If Greg Oden is eligible for rookie honors, that's the way I'm rolling.

No mention of Hill huh

well, Ramon hasn't beat out Johnny Flynn for starting spot yet. Bust?

"Tony Douglas (No. 29, Knicks, is Dean Meminger with a jump shot" who'sat? I mean I did the lookup in the usual places but nothing about his style.

"Every GM who bypassed DeJuan Blair has filed a claim that doctors made them do it" Yeah he gave Alibi fits. Think Solomon got an education that night. But Blair only got ten and added twelve rebounds. Toney got most of his that night at the foul line.