Knicks Need David Lee to Win
New York's NBA Playoff Hopes Dwindle Without Big Man
Last night's game between Dallas and NY, won handily by the Mavs, exposes the fatal flaw of their roster - without center David Lee, they can't compete with elite teams
David Lee may be the most valuable second-year player the New York Knicks have ever had on their roster. What, more vital than Allen Houston or Patrick Ewing you ask? If last night's game against the visiting Dallas Mavericks is taken as a microcosm, then this statement has to be taken seriously. Here are some of the Big Apple's pro basketball franchise's problems minus the Florida Gator big man that an elite team such as the Mavs expose:
Eddy Curry Needs a Complementary Big Man - and Jared Jeffries with Channing Frye isn't the answer! Neither is Jerome James, who can't even get off Isaiah Thomas' bench anymore. Curry was double-teamed far less with Lee on the floor, and he is often alone under the boards. Batman needs Robin, Bush needs Cheney ..., I think you get the picture.
High Post Kickouts Have Disappeared - Not that Lee was getting large numbers of assists, but his passing out of the top of the key kept the ball flowing. When it goes in the paint now, it doesn't come back and this is reflected in a decline in the guards shooting (Knicks shot a miserable 35% as a tam from the field last night).
2nd Chance Points are Drying Up - Another of Lee's intangibles, keeping possessions alive with his active work on the offensive glass. Many of his points were tip ins. NYK's rebounding advantage over their opponents is one of the few positive statistical indicators of their chances for the playoffs.
Defense and Intangibles - His presence in the paint paired with Curry gave teams pause before they decided to go to the hoop. His passion for the game was evident and made him a fan favorite. Josh Howard had a double-double last night with 24 and 10, and from this corner Lee would have shaved at least 4 points and 3 boards off J Ho's stat sheet.
We're not ready to send him to Springfield yet, but the fact that David Lee won't return until the very end of the regular season spells doom for the New York Knicks playoff hopes.
