David Lee wasn’t exactly a great fit with the Boston Celtics, and Lee himself has no problem explaining why that was the case.
The veteran forward came to the Celtics last summer via a trade with the Golden State Warriors. He started the first three games of Boston’s season, but by January, his minutes had all but disappeared. So, how did the two-time All-Star and NBA champion go from starter and key rotation player to an end-of-the-bench space filler?
“I came in, I wasn’t in shape, I didn’t play my best and lost my job,” Lee recently told the San Jose Mercury News’ Marcus Thompson II. “All that did was make me ask, ‘What do I not have that I had before?’ I wasn’t in as good of shape.”
That’s a pretty frank admission for a player like Lee, whose game is built on energy and hustle. Yet, ironically enough, the 32-year-old made the most of his situation in Boston by ramping up his workouts when his playing time dwindled.
His efforts appear to be paying off, as Lee has seemed invigorated since signing with the Dallas Mavericks shortly after the Celtics waived him at the NBA trade deadline. The veteran big man is averaging 10.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game through 15 contests with Dallas, and while the Mavs have struggled of late, Lee is happy to be getting significant minutes again.
“In my opinion, I’m playing as good a ball as I’ve played in a number of years,” Lee said. “After really getting back into shape, I feel great out there. I think I have three, four years left, one more deal, then we’ll see from there.”
It’s unfortunate Lee’s apparent wake-up call didn’t come sooner, as the Celtics would have benefited from his strong play and veteran leadership after shelling out $15 million for his one-year contract last summer.
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
