Lee’s Ready to Shine
David Lee knows what he has to do.
When I asked him what his feelings were, being one of the most productive players per minute in the NBA yet still having to sit behind guys that make more money, he was very clear.
“Those guys (Curry and Randolph) are veterans and I should be behind them. I was a late lottery pick. I came in here knowing Channing (Frye) was a lottery pick and was going to get the first crack (at the starting role). I just have to keep working hard night after night.”
Don’t let him fool you, he wants to start. He’s a winner and that’s a winner’s mentality. Tiger Woods has always had respect for Jack Nicklaus records, but knew in his heart he could win 50 majors. He’s being a good teammate, and quickly morphing into a leadership role in his 4th year.
Lee has plenty in his favor. We’ve heard that Donnie Walsh has settled on the idea of giving Lee a much-deserved extension, but he’ll have every opportunity to earn it. He will see plenty of minutes and I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins a starting forward spot out of the gate. He’s comfortable in this system, remember he played in Billy Donovan’s 40 minute pressing style at Florida.
He’s also ready to show fans how hard he’s worked on his jumper this off season.
“I think fans will be surprised, ” he told me. “It’s a confidence thing, and I’ve found it.”
If that’s the case, Lee won’t find himself on the bench very often, and he may find himself on the All-Star team.
