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NBA: Minimum Contract, Maximum Value

By Simon Smith

Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward David Lee (10) pulls down a rebound against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

David Lee, San Antonio Spurs

Contract: $1,551,659; Expires 2017-18 (player option after this season)

It’s not often a team can land a two-time all-star and NBA champion on a minimum contract. But the history and culture of the Spurs is clearly a strong lure, and Lee is the latest example of their great appeal. Still just 33, Lee arrived along with veteran Pau Gasol to shore up the Spurs’ front court following the retirement of Tim Duncan.

Having averaged 18.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per over a six-season stretch during the midst of his career, Lee’s ability to produce numbers is well proven. In 43 games this season, Lee is averaging 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 17.8 minutes per game this season. But with the recent untimely injury to Gasol, Lee is going to assume more responsibility in the starting lineup.

To no surprise, Lee has stepped into the starting role impressively the past two games. He had 10 points and 16 rebounds in a home win against the Denver Nuggets. He backed this up with 14 points and 11 rebounds in an overtime road victory against the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers. Furthermore, he has shot 66.7 percent from the field in these games and has also demonstrated his proficiency passing the ball.

Lee’s high basketball IQ, combined with his championship experience, have proven to be a great match so far in San Antonio. Factor in his minimum wage and the Spurs have hit a home run with this signing.

Highlights

Check below for highlights of Lee’s season-high 15 points to go along with 12 boards, as the Spurs had an early season road win against the Boston Celtics.

With Lee proving himself to be more than just an insurance policy, the Spurs will be looking to be even more dangerous when Gasol returns from his layoff.