Golden State Warriors: The Pros And Cons Of David Lee’s Departure
Con: Lee Can Still Play
Lee’s value has obviously decreased with the emergence of Draymond Green, but that’s not to say he’s useless. His numbers shrank to 7.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game this past season, but per 36 minutes, his stat line wasn’t too far off from what he was putting up during his All-Star seasons.
The point is, David Lee can still play at a high level. That fact was blatantly obvious at the end of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, when head coach Steve Kerr inserted Lee into the lineup as a desperation move. The Warriors lost that game, but Lee’s ability to attack out of the pick-and-roll represented the small-ball epiphany that won Golden State the series in the end.
Move makes sense for Boston. Wallace was out of the rotation. Lee can play some five and rotate with Olynyk/Zeller/Sullinger/Amir Johnson.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) July 7, 2015
Between his ability to score over and around bigger defenders, his strength on the glass and his passing skills as the roll man in pick-and-roll sets, Lee will be a great addition to a young Boston frontcourt in need of some veteran leadership.
There’s no question that $15.5 million is a hefty price tag to pay for a seldom-used reserve, but Gerald Wallace isn’t much of a return for a player who still has a lot to offer, even though both players are 32 years old.
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