David Lee: Saying Goodbye

It may not be a done deal quite yet, but with the 2015 NBA Draft just days away, this could be David Lee’s final moments as a Golden State Warrior. After the Warriors’ Finals win, there were rumours that the Warriors and Lee were in talks to find him a suitable home, as it was apparent that Lee’s talent was being wasted on the Warriors’ bench. It would be beneficial for both parties to part ways, as Lee’s hefty contract meant the Warriors would have to dip into the luxury tax next season, and Lee would be better served playing for a team that required his services.

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However, this would mean saying goodbye to one of the core members of the Warriors’ team, and one of the few that remain from the Warriors’ dark days of the early 2010s.

Lee joined the Warriors from the New York Knicks in 2010, and signified a change for the franchise. He was the first All-Star in many years to have willingly signed for the Warriors, and while his $80 million contract was a big reason why, it was a victory for the maligned franchise. As the team toiled in mediocrity, Lee was a fan favourite with his low-post scoring and rebounding.

For a long time, he was the team’s best player and became the Warriors’ first All-Star since Latrell Sprewell in 1997. He continued to play a big role in the team’s offense as they made it to the playoffs in 2013 for the first time since the “We Believe” era.

However, the next few seasons saw Lee’s impact dwindle. As the focus shifted towards the Splash Brothers (Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson), Lee became more known for his defensive deficiencies than what he brought on the offensive end. Still, he remained in the starting lineup as the Warriors lacked a real replacement for Lee, and with a $15 million annual salary, there was little reason to shop around for a replacement.

That all changed when Lee suffered an injury in the final game of the preseason. Head coach Steve Kerr swapped Lee out for Draymond Green in a move that brought unexpected success. Green’s defensive flexibility helped improve their defence, and his passing and floor spacing ensured that the Warriors didn’t miss Lee’s impact on that end of the court. As a result, Lee became a reserve for the first time since early in his career. He rarely saw time on the court, as his defensive deficiencies made it hard for Kerr to justify playing Lee often.

He was still able to provide some assistance off the bench during the playoffs, especially against teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who played two big men on the court at the same time. His rebounding prowess helped the Warriors significantly, who were constantly being outrebounded by their opponents. He showed that he still had some value to the team, and that his best asset was the team’s biggest weakness.

But, at $15 million a season, Lee is a luxury that the Warriors cannot afford. On a different team, Lee’s low-post scoring and rebounding can still be a highly sought after skill. With the Warriors, it was just a clash of playing styles. Lee will forever be remembered in Warriors folklore, and his willingness to play for a struggling Warriors’ franchise could be seen as the first step in the long journey for the NBA title.

Thank you, David Lee for your services. I’m glad you won your well-deserved ring.

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