The Golden State Warriors have been a new team since Mark Jackson has taken over. The Warriors are one of the most exciting teams in basketball, and they are one of the best teams in the Western Conference. When looking at the Warriors success a lot of people focus on Steph Curry. Steph Curry is a top 5 point guard in my opinion, and will likely be a first time All-Star this season, but there is more to the Warriors than Steph Curry.
David Lee doesn’t garner many headlines, but when you look at the stat sheet on a nightly basis he is a double-double machine. Lee has been a double-double machine, and has been since he entered the NBA in 2005. Lee is a rare breed in today’s version of the NBA. Lee does yeoman’s work, and rarely complains. Though, Lee is paid a hefty salary he is worth every penny. Lee has $44 Million owed on his contract for the next three seasons, and when comparing his contract to other players at his position seems like a bargain to me.
The Warriors have a perfect blend with Curry, Iggy, Thompson, Bogut, Barnes, and Lee to make noise in the West. With newly acquired Jordan Crawford, and Draymond Green steadily improving the Warriors will be a force when it nears playoff time. Looking across the NBA I can say most if not all teams wish they had a player like David Lee. Lee has the ability to knock down the mid-range jump shot, post up, pass out of the high post, and he cleans the glass. His numbers this season are 19.9 ppg and 9.9 rpg, but what stands out to me is that he shoots over 50% from the field and over 80% from the foul line.
People give Lee flak about his defensive prowess or lack thereof, but Lee with Andrew Bogut behind you as the rim protector it makes his job a lot easier. Many people within the NBA and true fans appreciate David Lee, but the casual basketball fan is probably not aware of how good he actually is.
David Lee may make the All-Star team this year, and if so this will be his third appearance. I sit here and wonder when David Lee will stop being the Rodney Dangerfield of the NBA. He’s been an All-NBA performer, All-Star, and has played in a small and large market (Golden State & New York), and many people are still oblivious of how good David Lee actually is. The time will come soon when people will take notice to Lee’s ability. If the Warriors continue their stellar play, and end up on the big stage I think Mr. Lee would deserve a little more than a pat on the back. It’s time to appreciate what David Lee brings to the NBA and the Golden State Warriors.
