Golden State Warriors: Confidence In David Lee
By John Lugo
Big man David Lee was the first All-Star for the Golden State Warriors since the 1997 season, providing a solid base for the team to build on in the coming years.
Golden State’s season ended in May which was earlier than what Warriors fans wanted, but later and more impressive than what most expected from the team last year. With Stephen Curry expected to take his game to the next level, the rest of the young core is looking to follow suit with some seasoned veterans to help lead the way.
David Lee is one. And he’s expected to don the royal blue and golden yellow jersey (with sleeves on occasion) for another year.
If healthy, expect David Lee to deliver another All-Star level season for the Warriors. Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com
Set to make nearly $14 million this season and on the books for two more seasons afterward, Lee found himself at the center of many trade rumors going into the summer. But according to a recent report, the team ownership has told him that he’s staying a Warrior.
Sticking with Lee is the logical decision to make for Golden State, a team that has plenty of potential and needs more development. The consistent post scoring, veteran leadership and All-Star resume he brings is what is needed for the team that is searching for frontcourt consistency and overall guidance among the players.
Unfortunately for Lee, he suffered a torn hip flexor in the first round against the Denver Nuggets and wasn’t able to recover in time to face the San Antonio Spurs at full force.
But in a frontcourt where Andrew Bogut hasn’t been consistently healthy for years and Festus Ezeli is out until December due to knee surgery, it would be ridiculous for Golden State to rely on Marreese Speights and Jermaine O’Neal to deliver in their places.
Averaging a shade more than 18 points and 11 rebounds last season, Lee equates to another dimension to the team’s already deadly offense. The team didn’t need to blow up and make a big splash. Bringing together the core and having another go with last season’s experience looked like the safest and best best to make.
Taking into account the great moves that the Warriors made this summer, they’re in great shape and look ready to take the league by storm very soon. Expect the Oracle Arena to be louder than ever next season.