We have been hearing a lot lately about how Josh Smith may or may not become a Net soon. However, Smith certainly has flaws, including his desire for a max contract that most believe he does not deserve. Additionally, I don't believe that the Nets will have the assets to close a deal for Smith anyway, even if they wanted to.

So, a propose another, below-the-radar solution: DeJuan Blair.

Blair looked like a steal coming out of the draft, a second rounder who produced 8 points and 6 rebounds as a rookie. It looked like he would become a stalwart with the Spurs. However, he has fallen out of favor recently, and is averaging only 13.8 minutes per game. Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Spurs will likely move Blair, who is unsurprisingly displeased with his playing time. http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--nba-trade-deadline-buzz--clippers-end-kevin-garnett-trade-talks-for-now-030112108.html

So, should the Nets look into acquiring him? I think so. He makes only $1.05 million, and the Spurs seem to be willing to accept a second rounder or an expiring contract for him. If the Nets threw, for example, Jerry Stackhouse and Ilkan Karaman at the Spurs, I think there's a decent chance they would accept, given their affinity for international players. Blair is going to leave anyway and there seems to be limited interest. If we have to throw in Tyshawn Taylor or another minor asset, so be it.

Blair averages 14 points (on 50% shooting) and 10 rebounds per 36 minutes, and these numbers are below his career norms (15 points, 11 rebounds per 36 on 53% shooting)

He offers a strong rebounding presence with some decent finishing ability around the rim. Think of him as a more offensively gifted Reggie Evans. He could catch those passes that Deron Williams throws and actually know what to do with them.

Is he a permanent solution, or the "missing piece"? No. But he can improve this team for a very reasonable cost, and I think that he is definitely an option that Billy King should look into.