Lee Continues His All-Star Caliber Play Heading Into Match with Thunder
Jan 10 2010 8:57PM
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David Lee looks to continue his all-star caliber season.
MSG Photos
The Knicks have had memorable All-Star weekend performances over the past
few seasons with Nate Robinson showing the world that little guys can soar.
But the last time they had an All-Star was back in 2001 when both Latrell
Sprewell and Allan Houston got the nod.
It's time for that drought to end. David Lee deserves to be an All-Star.
There is no reason the Knicks starting center shouldn't be playing alongside the league's elite in Dallas this February. Lee has already outplayed his opponent more often than not this season - ranging from Nets second-year seven-footer Brook Lopez to Spurs perennial All-Star Tim Duncan - so why shouldn't he earn the honor of being called an All-Star?
"I would definitely pick him as an All-Star," said Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni, who, unfortunately, can't vote for his own players. "I think he can get better. He's starting to get his shot and knocking it down regularly. There's no reason not to. The more confidence he gains from playing well and getting better, the team will play better around him. So I don't see any reason not to pick him."
Lee might have been considered simply a blue-collar player who pulled down rebounds and scored mostly on putbacks over a year ago, but this season he has expanded his offensive game to about the three-point line and is often the go-to guy in the Knicks' offensive attack. His midrange jumper is rarely off the mark and the pick-and-roll with Chris Duhon is perhaps better than any other in the NBA.
And Lee's individual numbers back up his play. Entering Monday's matchup against the Thunder in Oklahoma City, he is averaging a career-high 19.1 points on 58 percent shooting and 10.9 rebounds. He has 19 double-doubles, 16 20-point games and 11 20-point, 10-rebound performances already this season.
Last season, when he had 15 20-point outings in 81 games, he was considered an All-Star candidate. This year, with even better numbers. his chances figure to be even better.
"I think David is playing outstanding basketball, and without question he deserves to be an All-Star," Pacers All-Star forward Danny Granger said. "I mean, he's got my vote. It was special for me last year, and it is something I think he has earned. He's also a good friend of mine, so I hope he makes it."
And no one can use the excuse that the Knicks shouldn't have any All-Stars because they aren't winning. The fact is, despite a slow start to the season, the Knicks have won 12 of their previous 19 games and find themselves just one and a half games behind Charlotte for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
Lee is leading his squad in scoring, rebounding and field-goal percentage.
"He is a very active guy," Bobcats forward Boris Diaw said. "You got to always be prepared and be ready for him to be cutting, going to the boards, setting the screen and creating something. You can't rest against him."
Although the 6-foot-9 player has been the starting center for the Knicks all season, he is listed as a forward on the NBA All-Star ballot. But that shouldn't be a problem. Fans still need to sign on to nyknicks.com and continue casting votes daily for Lee to play in the big game. The starters will be announced on Jan.21 and the reserves (chosen by the coaches) will be announced on Jan. 28.
After posting game highs of 28 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in Saturday's 105-96 loss in Houston, Lee will have another opportunity to make a last-minute case of why he should be selected when the Knicks take on another player looking for his first All-Star selection.
Kevin Durant, a third-year forward, ranks fourth in the league in scoring with 28.7 points per game.
It's time for that drought to end. David Lee deserves to be an All-Star.
There is no reason the Knicks starting center shouldn't be playing alongside the league's elite in Dallas this February. Lee has already outplayed his opponent more often than not this season - ranging from Nets second-year seven-footer Brook Lopez to Spurs perennial All-Star Tim Duncan - so why shouldn't he earn the honor of being called an All-Star?
"I would definitely pick him as an All-Star," said Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni, who, unfortunately, can't vote for his own players. "I think he can get better. He's starting to get his shot and knocking it down regularly. There's no reason not to. The more confidence he gains from playing well and getting better, the team will play better around him. So I don't see any reason not to pick him."
Lee might have been considered simply a blue-collar player who pulled down rebounds and scored mostly on putbacks over a year ago, but this season he has expanded his offensive game to about the three-point line and is often the go-to guy in the Knicks' offensive attack. His midrange jumper is rarely off the mark and the pick-and-roll with Chris Duhon is perhaps better than any other in the NBA.
And Lee's individual numbers back up his play. Entering Monday's matchup against the Thunder in Oklahoma City, he is averaging a career-high 19.1 points on 58 percent shooting and 10.9 rebounds. He has 19 double-doubles, 16 20-point games and 11 20-point, 10-rebound performances already this season.
Last season, when he had 15 20-point outings in 81 games, he was considered an All-Star candidate. This year, with even better numbers. his chances figure to be even better.
"I think David is playing outstanding basketball, and without question he deserves to be an All-Star," Pacers All-Star forward Danny Granger said. "I mean, he's got my vote. It was special for me last year, and it is something I think he has earned. He's also a good friend of mine, so I hope he makes it."
And no one can use the excuse that the Knicks shouldn't have any All-Stars because they aren't winning. The fact is, despite a slow start to the season, the Knicks have won 12 of their previous 19 games and find themselves just one and a half games behind Charlotte for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
Lee is leading his squad in scoring, rebounding and field-goal percentage.
"He is a very active guy," Bobcats forward Boris Diaw said. "You got to always be prepared and be ready for him to be cutting, going to the boards, setting the screen and creating something. You can't rest against him."
Although the 6-foot-9 player has been the starting center for the Knicks all season, he is listed as a forward on the NBA All-Star ballot. But that shouldn't be a problem. Fans still need to sign on to nyknicks.com and continue casting votes daily for Lee to play in the big game. The starters will be announced on Jan.21 and the reserves (chosen by the coaches) will be announced on Jan. 28.
After posting game highs of 28 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in Saturday's 105-96 loss in Houston, Lee will have another opportunity to make a last-minute case of why he should be selected when the Knicks take on another player looking for his first All-Star selection.
Kevin Durant, a third-year forward, ranks fourth in the league in scoring with 28.7 points per game.
