The Golden State Warriors won their 50th game of the season on Monday night, beating the Phoenix Suns, 98-80. They were led by stellar performances by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, combining for 61 points and 11 three-pointers. Draymond Green added a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Everyone on this roster seems to be contributing to this amazing run with the exception of one person: David Lee.
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Once a 20-10 machine, Lee has found himself on the bench behind the emerging Green. In the last three games, Lee has recorded two DNP-CD’s (did not play-coach’s decision) and this is the first time this has occurred since his rookie season where it only happened once. Coach Steve Kerr has said that Lee is not playing some nights due to matchups, but it clearly looks like he is not playing for the simple fact he is a poor defender.
Every night, the Warriors play against an athletic power forward and Monday night was no different with Markieff Morris starting for the Suns. Morris may have had his worst game of the season, shooting a terrible 1-of-8 from the field, managing only four points and turning it over three times. This occurred because Green locked him down, something Lee could never do and why some people are calling Green the Defensive Player of the Year. Markieff’s brother and backup power forward, Marcus Morris, struggled as well, hitting 1 of 7 from the field for a minuscule two points. The common denominator for these performances was Green, with Lee, the highest paid Warrior, sitting at the end of the bench.
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
His lack of playing time could be a result of his inferior defense but it could also be Kerr looking towards the future and not seeing Lee there.This incredible run may have never happened if Lee did not suffer a hamstring injury in training camp. If Lee stayed healthy, we never see the emergence of Green and his incredible season. Instead, we probably see Lee averaging a double-double, playing 30 minutes a game and playing suspect defense while Green provides great energy off the bench.
If Lee stayed healthy, we never see the emergence of Green and his incredible season.
The preseason injury to Lee has been a blessing in disguise because there is no way the Warriors would be atop the Western Conference with Lee as their starting power forward. With Green in his place, the Warriors have become the most dynamic offensive and defensive team in the league because Green’s skills are more abundant than Lee’s. He can guard the 1 through 5, hit the three and his emotion and leadership inspires this team, all skills that Lee has not shown this season.
In the offseason, the Warriors will probably look to deal Lee, who will be in his final year of his contract and even though he is not producing here, that does not mean he can not be a productive player elsewhere. He can be and will be in the right situation but that situation is not in Oakland. This Warriors’ team has evolved into a championship contender that preaches defense and that is something Lee cannot provide.
Lee will get his opportunities later in the season because it is not likely that Kerr will completely shut him down; he has too much respect for Lee. But as we move into the postseason, Lee will have to improve his defense dramatically to receive playing time, which is very unlikely. Chances are we have seen the last of Lee in a major role with Golden State and the Warriors may be better off for it.