Lee gets ripped for being on run and gun teams, padding his stats on low win, high octane units. Fair enough. But, you play where you play. What was he supposed to do, not try his best in the environment he was drafted, not take the best deal in the sign and trade?

Now he’s playing a non-run and gun system (although we need to try to run more, not to mention spend some practice time, Mark, on completing fast break opportunities, spacing.) Lee’s showing, while #s won’t be quite as good, that he can play this style too.

Yes, his D is straight up poor one on one, yes. High hoops IQ for team D is there though.

The way to look at it all added up with David Lee is that he really does have enough positives to outweigh the lack of D. (Considering how tough it is for perennial losers like us to “attract” free agents.)

1. How many highpaid FA’s flame out, try less, just lose focus, etc? Maybe not “lot’s,” but enough to make it a worry. Lee will always show up, give you his guts and glory out there.

2. Lee has more athleticism than you think.

3. He has (and this word is thrown around too freely these days) high hoops IQ.

4. He can pass for a PF/C. Yes, part of good O game, but a nice little addition for the position, which helps in many ways, not to mention good FT% for a PF, yesterday not included, small sample size of course.