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Where will Gary Neal and DeJuan Blair end up?

Now that the big free agents have been inked, and the royal baby has been birthed, worldwide speculation now falls on the lesser-known NBA players who, like Kate and William's child, are waiting to hear their names called.

By BrunoPassos
Remember when they were rookies? And now they're off to make it on their own.
Remember when they were rookies? And now they're off to make it on their own.

For the Spurs, Dejuan Blair and Gary Neal remain unsigned and - though there remains one open roster spot in San Antonio - many signs point to the team not filling it with either guy. Here's a look at where each player stands at the moment.

Dejuan Blair

Why he won't be in San Antonio next year:

Once considered the steal of the 2009 Draft, Blair dropped to the Spurs at the 36th pick largely due to reports that he was missing both of his legs knee caps ACLs. Yet, Blair quickly proved that he could step in right away and contribute, becoming the first Spurs rookie to have a 20/20 game since Tim Duncan. He also received All-Rookie Second Team honors that year, with averages of 7.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

By the start of last season, however, Blair had fallen out of Pop's favor (and out of the rotation), averaging a career-low 14 minutes per game during the regular season. Despite being an excellent rebounder, Blair's diminutive size and limited skill set (including on the defensive end) contributed to PATFO souring on the power forward. The Spurs have repeatedly tried to get something out of Blair via trade, but never received an offer that tickled their fancy.

Where he might land:

Blair is an unrestricted free agent this summer and is likely seeking out a bigger role than the one he's had most recently in SA. The Wizards have expressed interest in Blair, though mostly through a variety of un-enticing sign-and-trade offers. The 76ers are another team that might want to give Blair look as they await the midseason debut of first-round pick Nerlens Noel.

Dejuan is still only 24, has per-36 averages of roughly 15 points and 11 rebounds, and, given the opportunity, could once again find himself in a team's regular rotation. It's not clear whether he's worth the $3 million he's reportedly after, but he should be pulling down boards for some NBA team next year.

Gary Neal

Why he won't be in San Antonio next year:

Unlike Blair, fan-favorite Neal is a restricted FA [Update: The Spurs will reportedly rescind their qualifying offer to Neal, making him an unrestricted free agent. - jrw ], giving the Spurs the option of matching any offer sheet he signs. Yet, moves over the past year and as Neal's potentially inflated price tag point to him not making it rain in the AT&T Center next year.

After signing Marco Belinelli, the Spurs backcourt is suddenly overcrowded, and Neal looks to be the odd man out. Neal has been a solid contributor for San Antonio since joining the team three years ago, averaging between 9.5 and 9.9 PPG each year. But his 3-point shooting, and his FG% in general, took a big dip in 2012-2013. Even during the playoffs, which included a Game 3 where Neal made six triples, his percentages left something to be desired (39% FG, 35% 3PT).

Where he might land:

There are reports of the Bucks being among Neal's top suitors. Milwaukee has yet to sort its Brandon Jennings situation but, even if they do, they'll still lack depth at the SG position. Neal could come in as a cheap replacement to J.J. Redick, who left for the Clippers over the summer, and provide the same kind of firepower from beyond the arc.

Spurs fans mourning the loss of Neal - a fearless role player with the huevos to take the big shot - needn't fret, though. Marco's here for you:

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