David Lee sees parallels between Celtics and Warriors (before they got good)
David Lee will enter his 11th NBA season this fall in search of opportunity, something that should be waiting for him with the Boston Celtcs.
After striking out on landing a major free agent this summer, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge agreed to acquire the 31-year-old power forward from the Golden State Warriors on July 7th in exchange for salary-filler in Gerald Wallace and Chris Babb.
On the surface, Lee does not seem like an ideal fit for Boston’s rebuilding plan, given his age and high salary ($15.5 million in 2015-16). Still, Lee’s expiring contract next summer allows Ainge to maintain Boston’s long-term salary-cap flexibility, while also providing a talent boost on the offensive end to a young, crowded frontcourt in the interim.
Using that rationale, adding Lee makes sense for Boston, especially since the cost for the team was so low.
Heading east to a rebuilding franchise will be a major change of pace for the two-time All-Star who won his first NBA title with the Warriors last month. However, a fresh start may be exactly what Lee needs after being demoted to the bench for nearly all of last season.
The 6’11’’ big man lost his starting job and the majority of his minutes to Draymond Green after missing the first six weeks of the 2014-15 season with a hamstring injury. Upon his return, he averaged a meager 7.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game. Those numbers are a far cry from Lee’s career averages of 14.7 points and 9.5 rebounds, which is the kind of production Ainge hopes Lee can duplicate under coach Brad Stevens.
Ainge has not made the move official yet, delaying the swap in order to help the team maximize its remaining salary cap room in the coming weeks.
It’s likely we won’t hear from Lee until the deal is announced by the team, but Boston.com sat down with the power forward this past March when Lee was still a member of the Warriors for his unfiltered thoughts on the Celtic rebuild, the city of Boston and whether the franchise will ever be able to attract free agents.
Most newcomers acquired via trade always rave about a team or city, so Lee’s unbiased opinions here before a possible deal emerged reveal some interesting perspectives about the respect the big man holds for the region.
Boston.com:What are your impressions of Boston as a city and franchise?
Lee: It’s one of the best crowds in the league, whether they are winning or losing. Consistently, it’s a very loud building to play in. They have great pride for the Celtics in this building and are one of the best brands in the NBA.
BDC:Does that kind of support appeal to you as a player?
Lee: Absolutely. People say very positive things about playing here. I’ve seen the Celtics when they are okay, really bad, and when they had Pierce, Garnett and Allen during the Big Three [era]. I’ve seen both sides of it. The fans’ passion is always there, and players notice that stuff and know when it’s a good city to play in.
BDC:In this town, a lot of people believe Ainge won’t be able to sign a big name free agent or get people to come here because of the weather, location, etc. What’s your sense on that?
Lee: I feel like every city feels that way. They were saying that in Golden State two years ago and we managed to get some guys. Things come and go. There’s always the ebb and flow in basketball. Boston is rebuilding a little bit right now right now, but they have some good young players and I think a really good coaching staff. I think the future is bright and players are going to go where there is passion for the game and this is one of them.
BDC:Is word getting out around the league about Brad Stevens and the job he’s done with this team over the past couple years?
Lee: People still know him more from Butler, but one way you can tell is that they play hard every game. You don’t do that for a guy you don’t like. He’s able to inspire these young guys and they beat some good teams this year. One thing I’ve noticed is that they are always in games because they play hard as a team and together, and that’s a sign of a well-coached team.
BDC:What’s your priority list as an upcoming free agent in the summer of 2016? I know it changes with your age, role, team success and money, but what matters to you?
Lee: I think in finding a good fit, there are a lot of factors. I think Boston is definitely going to be in the discussion with the money they have to spend to get big-time guys.
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