An Open Letter to David Lee

Dear David,

Thank you. For so many things, thank you. We knew that this was coming for a while now. Heck, we even knew about the trade. But that doesn’t make the official announcement any easier.

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In your five years as a Golden State Warrior, you grew into a leader that eventually played a large role in securing the Warriors’ first title in 40 years. You were instrumental in changing the culture and in the development of many of the Dubs’ young stars. Your tenure had its ups and downs and you were nothing but a professional. For that, thank you.

I’m going to be completely honest: I wasn’t a fan of yours in New York. You averaged a double-double (20 and 10 in 2009-10) and I wasn’t convinced. I used to say “those are meaningless stats he’s getting on a bad team.” So for that, I’m sorry. I didn’t watch enough of you and I bought into the (unfair) narrative that surrounded you: David Lee doesn’t win. This is my first apology.

In fairness though, you didn’t really give Warriors fans a lot of reason to like you before you came to the Bay Area. Of course, your first interaction with Stephen Curry was…something. I remember watching it and thinking “wow, David Lee is such a baby.” Boy, was I wrong! In retrospect, that was probably one of the best beginnings to any relationship ever.

But when you made the decision to come to the Warriors, everything changed. A high-profile free agent actually wants to be here? Literally, an All-Star made the decision to leave New York to join the Warriors. That felt pretty good.

There’s been a lot of turnover in the organization and, through it all, you remained a constant. You never spoke out and caused problems for anyone. You showed up every night and played hard. At the end of the day, that’s all you can really ask for.

The 2013 Playoffs exemplified what you are about. You are a Warrior in every sense of the word. When you went down with injury, it was heartbreaking. Everyone knew how long you had waited to taste the postseason and it was gone in an instant. Out for the playoffs.  And it sucked. But then there were rumblings that maybe–just maybe–you could come back. And somehow you did. And that’s what Warriors fans love about you: you’ve given everything you have to this organization. After so many players have quit on this franchise, you went out there and played when it looked like you were done effectively helping change what it means to be a “Warrior.”

It hasn’t been easy for you, I’m sure. This last year would be tough for anyone, but especially for a two time All-Star. Aside from the trade rumors that followed you around, you didn’t even get a chance to compete for your starting spot because of injury. Then when you came back, it was hard to consistently crack the rotation that had done so well. And when you did, it was hard to get into a rhythm.

After so many players have quit on this franchise, you went out there and played when it looked like you were done effectively helping change what it means to be a “Warrior.”

Warriors fans–myself included–were hard on you this year. And when they weren’t hard on you, you were forgotten. Mostly. There was always the “we have an All-Star big man on our bench waiting” thought that creeped into the back of everyone’s head especially when things went wrong. We all criticized your play, probably unfairly. It’s hard to come back from an injury and return to form in a new system without consistent minutes. So for that, I’m sorry. This is my second apology.

The Cavaliers had the Warriors with their backs against the wall. They threw everything they had at Steph Curry, forcing others to make plays they made all year. But then the Cavs adjusted to that too. And then you came in and did the same thing you’ve done all your career: make the simple play. You set screens, rolled to the basket, and passed to the open man. With you driving down the lane, the Cavs’ defenders had to honor your scoring ability thus opening up the corners. The story went from “does David Lee belong?” to “David Lee saved the season.” And you did. You helped Steph figure it out and the rest is history.

When you ask someone what their favorite David Lee moment is, there are a million different answers. From your little battle with Roy Hibbert to becoming the first All-Star for the Warriors in forever. Most recently, you exchanged words with (temporary) public enemy no. 1, Matthew Dellevadeova. But “Stop Flopping” might just be your top moment.

Your helped turn this organization around. From perennial loser to champion. You helped make Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green the players they are today. You’re a Warrior for life. The fans in the Bay Area love you like a family member. You’re an important part of the best team in Warriors history. You endured a lot–injury and relegation–but I hope it was worth it.

The Bay Area will miss you. And you can bet we’ll all be cheering you on as you lead the promising Boston Celtics with veteran, championship experience.

All-NBA. All-Star. NBA Champion. Congratulations David. We’ll miss you. Thanks for everything.

Sincerely,

Warriors fans everywhere.