Damion Lee: From Stephen Curry relation to bonafide NBA player

There’d be times over the past few seasons, following a Golden State Warriors loss, that fans on social media would question why Damion Lee was on the team’s roster. In response, you’d often find the line of “well, he’s Steph’s (Curry) brother in law”.

But over the past couple of seasons, Lee has stepped out of that shadow and into his own. Having just turned 29, he’s in career-best form and acts as a key element to a Warriors team with title aspirations.

The Golden State Warriors are being blessed by dominating performances from Damion Lee, a player that many didn’t think would make it in the NBA.

There were times however, where his validity as an NBA player was in question. His journey would suggest that at times, it wasn’t even a question with teams and front offices continuing to overlook him.

Following four years at Drexel and one at Louisville, Lee went undrafted in 2016 before various stints with the Heat in Summer League, the Celtics in the G-League and then the Santa Cruz Warriors.

His first NBA contract came in March of 2018, an initial ten day contract with the Hawks turning into playing time for the remainder of the season.

Although he averaged 26.9 minutes and 10.7 points per game through 15 appearances, he shot the ball at just 40% from the field and 25% from three-point range in a team that finished with the worst record in the East.

It was enough though for Bob Myers and the Warriors to sign him to a two-way contract, seeing him split his time over the 2018-19 season with Santa Cruz and the main team. The following season saw Lee’s breakout opportunity, playing 49 games (36 starts) in a deplorable team that finished with the worst record in the league.

Last season saw Lee’s role diminish in a more competitive Warrior team, his points per game diminishing from 12.7 to 6.5.

That’s not to say he didn’t improve though, shooting a career high in free throw, field goal and three point percentage. He also had a couple of memorable moments early in the season, including a three-point game winner against the Bulls.

Prior to the season, many were still unsure on Lee’s role on the Warriors, particularly with the addition of first round pick Moses Moody, the rise of third year guard Jordan Poole, and the upcoming return of all-star guard Klay Thompson.

What was his true worth as an NBA player; someone capable of contributing to a championship team, or a player that simply took advantage of playing in below average teams?

The championship element may not be there yet, but through seven games Lee has proven to be a key element to a successful Warriors team that sits at 6-1.

His minutes have risen from last season, playing just under 26 minutes a night as perhaps the most important player off the bench. His 13.1 points are good enough for eighth in bench scoring league wide, doing so on insane 47/49/88 shooting splits.

It’s not necessarily the averages that are standing out either, it’s the fact he genuinely hasn’t played a bad game yet. He’s one of only three Warriors, alongside Curry and Andrew Wiggins, to have scored in double figures in each of their games. Well, that was until he missed the mark on Friday night.

It allows Steve Kerr to have a greater freedom with Jordan Poole, who’s been erratic at times this season. He knows if Poole’s having an off night, he has a backup guard who he can trust to make the right plays and contribute on a nightly basis.

If there’s a major positive to have come from the past two seasons of failing to make the playoffs, it’s that the Warriors uncovered Lee and Juan Toscano-Anderson, two players almost plucked from obscurity and moulded into genuine NBA players.

They both exercise important attitudes that many NBA teams fail to grasp; one, players can still improve well into their late twenties and even early thirties, and two, that below average teams can unearth diamonds in the rough rather than solely focusing on young, exciting, high potential prospects.

The stories of Lee and Toscano-Anderson are a great lesson in perseverance and commitment, never giving up on a dream or a belief in your own ability.

The fruits of their labour are starting to be recognised as the Warriors reshape into a top NBA team. They, the fans and everyone in the franchise will be hoping they end their Warrior careers as NBA champions.