The Undersized Beast Who Battled Giants for the Spurs #SpursDynasty

What if I told you there was an NBA starter who put up double-doubles and bullied the boards—despite having no ACLs in either knee? That’s right, today we’re breaking down the underrated but unforgettable San Antonio Spurs run of DeJuan Blair—a fan favorite known as “the Beast on the Boards!” Stick around because this is one story every true hoops head should know. DeJuan Blair landed with the San Antonio Spurs in the 2009 NBA Draft, going 37th overall and instantly proving those who doubted him wrong. From his rookie season, Blair made an immediate impact, earning a spot in the starting lineup and shocking the league with his rugged rebounding and relentless energy. In his first year, Blair averaged 7.8 points and 6.4 rebounds in just over 18 minutes per game—ranking as the top NBA rookie in field goal percentage at .556, and second in rebounding among rookies for the 2009-2010 season.​ What set Blair apart on the Spurs was his fearless attitude and unique playing style: standing just 6’7” and having lost both ACLs before college, Blair’s ability to outwork bigger centers and crash the glass made him a critical piece of Gregg Popovich’s rotation. Fans and teammates dubbed him a monster on the boards—a guy who would fight for every inch in the paint. His best Spurs season came in 2010-2011, when he started 65 games and averaged a solid 8.3 points alongside 7.0 rebounds per game—one of the highest averages on the roster.​ Blair’s time in San Antonio, from 2009 to 2013, saw the Spurs consistently in the playoff hunt. He played a key role in their deep postseason runs, even helping the team past the Dallas Mavericks in 2010 by contributing tough interior defense and timely buckets. Although Blair never made an NBA All-Star team or won major individual awards, he did represent the Spurs at the 2010 Rookie-Sophomore Challenge during All-Star Weekend and remains remembered for his hustle highlights and crafty finishes around the rim. His career averages with the Spurs stand at 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds across four seasons.​ Blair wasn’t just a stat sheet filler—he brought an underdog mentality that Spurs fans loved. While he might not have accumulated flashy awards, his legacy in San Antonio is one of grit, heart, and outworking the opposition. That determination made “Beast on the Boards” a perfect fit for the Spurs’ system and a key figure during a competitive era in franchise history. If you’re passionate about NBA stories that fly under the radar, DeJuan Blair’s Spurs years remind us that it’s not always about superstar accolades—it’s about carving your lane, playing your role, and earning respect the hard way. Subscribe, tap in, and let’s run it back with more basketball history that deserves the spotlight! #sanantoniospurs #dujuanblair #basketball #NBA