Former New York Knicks center David Lee wants a bigger role than the one he currently has and is reportedly looking for a different team to make it happen.
By Chip Murphy
Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck reported what many have long suspected: Former New York Knicks center David Lee is on the trading block.Lee isn’t happy riding the bench right now and his representatives are working with Celtics’ management to bring the partnership to an amicable end.
With Lee’s trade value being at an all-time low and the shocking possibility of him being available as a free agent, the Knicks need to look into their former All-Star as a late season possibility.
Some trade buzz: BOS intends to move David Lee by Feb. 18 deadline, or buy him out. Lee is out of rotation and wants a role somewhere.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) February 3, 2016
David Lee has handled his situation like a pro, as always. But he's understandably not content to ride the bench.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) February 3, 2016
Lee is playing just 15.7 minutes per game this season while taking a DNP-Coach’s Decision in 13 straight games. He has fallen completely out of the Boston rotation, and out of the mind of NBA insiders altogether.
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It’s easy to forget that the defensively-challenged Lee was named an All-Star just three seasons ago for the Golden State Warriors when he averaged nearly 37 minutes per game, scoring 18.5 points, grabbing 11.2 rebounds, with a PER of 19.2, and 9.1 win shares.
Last year his injuries gave way to the emergence of Draymond Green and made Lee’s presence nonessential.
Lee thought that playing for the Celtics would be a fresh start on a playoff team in need of scoring. Instead, Lee will be looking for another squad before the season’s end.
The Knicks need backcourt help and they flat out need players that can put the ball in the basket. Lee can do that, and he can do it well. The 32-year-old will insert a veteran spark, boosting the Knicks fledgling offense.
A frontcourt lineup of Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, and Lee has the potential to put up considerable points. His inconsistent playing time has limited Lee to numbers that aren’t indicative of his abilities.
On a per 36 minute basis, Lee’s modest numbers jump to 16.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 blocks. There’s evidence to suggest that with the proper playing time, Lee can make a serious impact on his old team.
