David Lee, anyone?

by SilverClip on Mar 30, 2010 8:20 PM PDT

Someone has to say it, right? If New York manages to land two max guys, then Lee becomes available, and if we strike out elsewhere, then we may be in a situation where we'll want to consider it. The logic could be that a sharp pick-and-roll center is likely to work better with Griffin's and Baron's games than Kaman's more stagnant and sometimes spacey style. Meanwhile, Detroit, Minnesota, and others are likely to offer some value in return for Kaman's services. Kaman for Rubio, anyone? Or TPrince?

Lee is likely to cost something very similar to Kaman's contract, and he's a year younger. I like what I've seen of him, too, including his coordination and intelligence. Again, he seems better suited to an up tempo style than Kaman, though he's only listed at 6'9" and has no shot blocking ability. Maybe Griffin and DJ could compensate for the shortcoming.

This is not meant as a Kaman putdown. Several citizens have rightly come to his defense, and of course we absolutely shouldn't trade him unless we have a viable replacement. Hence, the David Lee suggestion. I'm not sure what I really think of all this, so help me out.

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I like Kaman however

I really like David Lee. I would definitely do this deal. I agree that Lee would work very well with Baron and Griffin. However getting Lee doesn’t solve our hole at SF. But we would still have cap space to sign either 1 max player (assuming Lee signs for roughly the same contract Kaman has) and like SC says we can possibly get a good piece in return for Kaman. I have always been intrigued by the though of getting Prince (even with his current injuries) and I wonder if the Rockets might be looking for some more long term help at C because Yao says he is only 30% healed, maybe we can pry Battier from them to achieve last seasons goal of a “glue guy”.

LeBron or Bust !!!!

by bestclipfan on Mar 30, 2010 8:37 PM PDT reply actions

David Lee is 6 foot 9 and not a center

And again, mesh better with Blake Griffin’s game? Huh?

by Michael White on Mar 30, 2010 8:45 PM PDT reply actions

smaller players have played center

his offensive style matches better with the athletic style of Griffin because he is more about cutting and driving and less about backing down and fancy footwork (not to say that type of play style doesn’t work)

LeBron or Bust !!!!

by bestclipfan on Mar 30, 2010 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions

he really really doesn't like playing center

Wherever he goes next, it’ll be to play PF.

by dulciusEXasperis on Mar 30, 2010 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions

He has publicly said this. + 1

by ChrisS.Oaks on Mar 31, 2010 2:36 AM PDT up reply actions

David Lee @ Center

David Lee did not like having to defend much bigger players at the center position. He really gave it a lot of effort though and still does. David Lee is 3rd in the league in steals per game among centers. If you are looking for a shot blocker though you will probably be disappointed as David Lee is ranked 49 among centers in blocks per game (ahead of Chuck Hayes though).

Rebounding wise, he is 2nd in the league among centers. I am not sure how much of that has to do with the Knicks’ personal and play style though. He is usually a guaranteed double-double.

Offensively, David Lee has really grown to where he has a nice pick and roll game as well as a better jump shot. He is pretty efficient too. He passes the ball and gets a good amount of assists too. David Lee leads the league in assist per game and total assists among centers! He also silently became the leader in points per game among centers with 20.0 a game. (This was our pride point with Kaman, but I guess his recent play has lowered it for him.)

I remember hearing that the fast paced system the Knicks used helped cover some of David Lee’s weaknesses making it an ideal place for him to play. As you know from the Warriors and a few years a go Suns, you can get away with smaller players in a fast system. Maybe David Lee is looking for a run and gun system?

David Lee has been a fan favorite with the Knicks though, so he definitely is a hard worker. He is also an all star that will want to try and get a good long term contract and not just another 1 year one. He is probably going to be pretty expensive.

I am not sure I have seen enough of Griffin to see how he would work with David Lee. Maybe if the rest of the team is structured to accommodate for their lack of height and you get the right coach, things could work out. Is it the most optimal option we have now though?

by ClipperTheorist on Mar 30, 2010 10:43 PM PDT reply actions

I love to see David Lee in a Clipper uniform...

he would give this team some much-needed toughness inside. I wouldn’t want to overpay for him, but he would be a guy that the Clippers have to take a look at. He might be a good complement to Blake Griffin.

by Shawn H on Mar 31, 2010 8:34 AM PDT reply actions