DeJuan Blair, a former NBA forward and center, amassed estimated earnings exceeding $11 million from his basketball career and other ventures, even after his doping ban and transition from the NBA to lower-paying leagues.
Blair entered the NBA in 2009 when the San Antonio Spurs selected him as the 37th overall pick. Over seven seasons, he played for teams including the Spurs, Mavericks, and Wizards.
After a brief period in the NBA Development League and international leagues, he eventually retired from professional basketball.
Despite a relatively brief career, Blair earned substantial salaries, even in his final season on the court.
DeJuan Blair’s Time In the NBA Ended In 2016, But He Continued In International Clubs
DeJuan Blair amassed considerable wealth during his seven-season NBA career, with his net worth estimated at over a million in 2024.
After leaving the NBA, Blair continued playing in various high-profile international leagues, securing substantial earnings.
While his exact net worth remains undisclosed, reports indicate that he earned around $2 million annually in his final NBA season with the Washington Wizards.
Unverified sources estimate his total NBA salary earnings at $8 to $12 million, and his income may have been bolstered by endorsement deals early in his career.
Blair might have reached legendary status had he remained in the NBA, but he transitioned to international leagues after struggling to secure a consistent role.
He joined the Chinese Basketball League, where he reportedly earned over a million dollars, and also played in the NBA Development League and other overseas clubs.
This continued play provided a solid income and additional incentives, maintaining his financial stability despite moving away from top-tier teams.
Details about his real estate and investments are not publicly available, making it difficult to assess his full net worth in 2024.
However, past financial issues, such as a 2013 court-ordered $50,000 payment to a jeweler over unpaid debts, impacted his assets.
Despite these setbacks, Blair remains financially successful, although specific details of his wealth remain private.
DeJuan Blair’s Doping Incident In Argentina Led Him To Temporary Ban But Didn’t Hinder His Basketball Career
After his time in the National Basketball League, he went on to play in several international leagues along with the D-League.
Blair was drafted by the Spurs in 2009, and by his third year with the team, he became a full-time starter.
Insider reports suggest that his contract with the Spurs’ was typical for a second-round pick.
It earned him approximately $1 million annually during his four-year tenure with the Spurs.
After the San Antonio Spurs released him, he signed with the Mavericks for a one-year deal worth around his previous value.
Blair started 13 games for the Mavs but only averaged 6.4 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Later, after 2014, he connected ties with the Wizards on a minimum salary contract, where he played two seasons.
Overall, during his seven seasons and journey till 2016, Blair earned approximately $8.75 to $11.5 million.
After his NBA exit, he represented Texas Legends in the D-League in 2017, whose contract details remain undisclosed.
The former NBA center’s international earnings varied significantly based on contracts but were lower than his previous earnings.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Blair underwent two knee surgeries in high school, resulting in the loss of both ACLs.
- He was named the Big East Co-Rookie of the Year and later earned Co-Player of the Year honors.
- The former NFL player faced a doping suspension while playing for San Lorenzo de Almagro in Argentina.
