Opening night for one of the most anticipated seasons in Golden State Warriors history.
The Los Angeles Lakers are in town, but it’s the Warriors that are getting a lot of the attention.
Stephen Curry and the rest of squad is relatively healthy (let’s not freak out about the mysterious Harrison Barnes injury…yet).
With the recent Andrew Bogut extension in place, the Warriors now have last year’s playoff core signed for the next several years.
Defensive and offensive enforcer Andre Iguodala has been added.
The team seems focused and ready.
All feels right in “Warrior-land”, right?
So, that being said, WHY does a large part of our fan base continue to push getting rid of our one and only all-star (yes, Curry should change that this year) David Lee?
Let’s examine the more prominent reasons why this continues to be tossed around the “basketball water-cooler”.
LOW POST DEFENSE
If there is any valid weakness in Lee’s game, it’s certainly his ability to stuff and stymie the rest of the NBA “bigs” in the league down low.
Focusing solely on this as Lee’s biggest complaint, however, ignores all the other important defensive stats Lee has been providing since he came to the team in 2010.
Overall defensive rebounds and per game were highest since joining the team (668, 8.5 compared to his first season when he compiled 497, 6.8)
Now with Bogut (and Iguodala) there to protect his backside, Lee only needs to continue to keep these rebound numbers consistent and his other offensive attributes will more than make up for any defensive liabilities still existing.
This doesn’t even take into account the fact that Lee prides himself on constantly improving each season.
Believe me Lee has heard all these complaints over the break…loudly.
Lee made mention of this following the Wednesday shoot-around via Marcus Thompson
“I’m not claiming to be Andrew Bogut,” Lee said. “But defensively in the post, I’ve been a lot better.”
Don’t be surprised if by seasons end this is no longer a major talking point as Lee has vowed to work on this aspect of his game.
“I want to improve my game each season,” Lee said. “It’s got to start for me on the defensive end.”
SPACING FOR THE OUTSIDE SHOOTERS
After Lee went down in the opening game of the playoffs last year and Curry exploded point-wise the rest of the series, many media members began to wonder if the team was more fluid without him on the court.
I still find this to be absurd.
I have a hard time believing that Lee’s presence in any way would have slowed down Curry (or Klay Thompson for that matter).
If anything, Curry might have had more space and less stress on that ankle as opponents submerged on Lee down-low.
Again, to me the stats don’t lie.
Overall assists and assists per game were highest at season’s end since joining the team (279, 3.5 compared to 2010 when he compiled 233, 3.3)
I see this number increasing this year and “the Splash Brothers” as well as the team reaping the benefits.
TOO MUCH SALARY
Here’s the biggest complaint from Warrior fans about Lee.
He eats up too much salary.
Yes, Lee is slated to be the highest paid member of the Warriors for the next few years (depending on how Bogut’s numbers pan out).
So what.
The more important question is what do you get in return?
Lee led the league in double-doubles last season with 56.
His points, offensive rebounds and free-throws all were highest since joining the team (1459, 218, 255 compared to 2010 when he compiled 1203, 217, 210).
But, seriously its not just the numbers its how those numbers play out in key situations.
In a close ballgame when the Warriors really need a tough basket or key rebound inside, Lee has always been there.
The rest of the league knows this.
That’s why Lee was recognized (not Curry) and afforded his all-star appearance last season.
Look, just because the Warriors would have a large chunk of change to work with if they disposed of Lee doesn’t mean they’d get back the same return on investment.
INTANGIBLES
Bottom line David Lee brings things to the Warriors on and off the court that very few can.
He’s the consummate professional and team player that helps coach the younger players when Mark Jackson can’t.
Please don’t confuse him for the non-caring, non-team playing “stats-padding” stars of years past.
He is not a Monta Ellis.
He is not a Corey Maggette.
Lee is the high-performance motor oil that makes the Warriors’ engine roar.
Feel lucky to have him as the team moves forward.
They wouldn’t be here nor get to where they want to be without him!
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