The Dallas Mavericks, after losing out to the Rockets in the race for Dwight Howard, are closing in on signing free-agent forward DeJuan Blair, according to an ESPN report.
In a deal the report says looks "promising," the former Spurs big would join the Mavs' rejiggered frontcourt to try to provide backup for Dirk Nowitzki. Dallas already this summer signed Samuel Dalembert, who's projected to start at center, and re-signed reserve centers Brandan Wright and Bernard James.
Blair averaged a career-low five points and four rebounds last season for San Antonio, playing in just 61 contests at 15 minutes per game. After being drafted by the Spurs despite questions about his knee, Blair showed early promise with his hustle and strength, but never developed much of a game in San Antonio on either end of the ball.
The Mavericks are desperate for depth, though, and Blair adds to their good-not-great frontcourt.
