Golden State Warriors: The Rise And Fall Of David Lee

Feb 3, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) reacts after being called for a foul against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-96. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) reacts after being called for a foul against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-96. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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David Lee
May 10, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson (11, left) and power forward David Lee (10, right) react on the bench against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter of game three of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 102-92. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

It was only two years ago that David Lee was a Western Conference All-Star. Averaging 18.5 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game for the Golden State Warriors, Lee earned the second All-Star selection of his career and became the first Dub to be chosen for the game since Latrell Sprewell in 1997.

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Two years later, Lee is registering “DNP – CD”s and can’t seem to crack Steve Kerr‘s small-ball rotations.

How did this happen? How did David Lee, a double-double machine who could score over and through taller defenders, become the odd man out on a championship-caliber team? And more importantly, what does it say about Lee’s value when the Warriors are just fine with him on the bench?

In order to put it all in perspective and try to find some answers for such a rapid rise and subsequent fall, David Lee’s career arch is worth an examination.

Next: The Rise