Knicks need to find a way to keep David Lee

Last offseason, the New York Knicks would not give David Lee a long term contract. Instead, the two sides agreed on a one year contract for 2009. The thinking of the Knicks was that they wanted to save salary cap room to make a splash in the coming offseason. I hope the team is realizing the type of player David Lee is and why they should find a way to sign this guy once again. They can not let Lee walk after this year like they always did last year.

The 6′ 9″ big guy in his 5th NBA season is averaging a double double for the Knicks. His 19 points per game average is good for 23rd in the league and 10.9 rebounds per game which is 7th in the league. Lee has a field goal percentage of .567, 5th in the entire NBA this season.

Not only is he producing but Lee is constantly on the floor for the Knicks. He is averaging 36.3 minutes per game this season. Lee has started all 38 games for the Knicks this year, showing is ability to stay healthy and compete at a high level.

At a time when all you hear in the news is NBA players being caught with guns and things, Lee has been nothing but a class act since joining the league. When he and the Knicks were in the contract dispute, Lee kept working out in the gym to keep himself prepared for the season. Last night, David Lee played for the Knicks depsite the loss of his grandfather. What did he do? Well, he scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds on the night. He also scored the game winning basket on a lay up with 4.3 seconds remaining as the Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 93-92. After the game, Lee chartered a plane to St. Louis for his grandfathers funeral and will return to New York for the Knicks game Friday night against the Toronto Raptors. How many players do you think would do all that? Not many in my opinion.

David Lee deserves a spot on the All-Star team this year. The Knicks are a much improved team and David Lee is a major part of that. Think the Knicks would be contending for a playoff spot if Lee was not a member of this team? If you do, think again!

I know the Knicks want to save money so they can bring in a big name super star this coming offseason. I get it. Its New York, lets bring the flashy player with the bright lights. Thats all fine and good, but that big name player will need other good players to play with. David Lee is a good player. David Lee is better than a good player. David Lee needs to stay with the Knicks! Its up to the front office to make that happen. Bring in a big time player, but find a way to partner that player with David Lee and New York basketball will be back!