New York Knicks: 3 reasons why Courtney Lee can’t play small forward

The New York Knicks’ plan to play Courtney Lee at small forward is almost as laughable as their defense as a whole. Change is needed, but not like this.

Jeff Hornacek and his New York Knicks are accustomed to their small forward position lacking defensive prowess. Years of Carmelo Anthony‘s inept defense on the wing should make his replacement look good.

However, as this preseason has proven, the Knicks are as bad or worse on defense post-Carmelo. Defensive rotations, pick-and-roll communication and late-game stops are all foreign concepts to this team. Team defense is a problem, but unfortunately, it isn’t the only problem.

Marc Berman of the New York Post reported Sunday that Jeff Hornacek plans to play Courtney Lee at small forward. Berman also noted the team had one of the worst offensive ratings in the NBA preseason. The Knicks are in a rough spot on both ends of the court, but Courtney Lee is not the answer.

Last season, Lee played 2,459 minutes and ranked 22nd in total minutes among eligible guards. The sample size is plentiful and these numbers don’t lie. Statistics tell a mediocre story about Courtney Lee guarding players his size. Now that he will guard taller players, it’s not likely his effectiveness on defense will be any better.

Courtney Lee shouldn’t play small forward for the Knicks, or anyone, on a regular basis. Three statistics speak volumes about Lee as a defender. Of the three, the first stat is the most telling…and the most disturbing.