David Lee, attrocious D

David Lee was playing matador D in crunch time last night, and many fans are likely wondering whether he is worth keeping around for the future. Lots of people think Lee is a sixth man energy guy who thinks he's a star, mainly because he sucks at defense.  Lee is a top notch offensive player but his defense is no doubt below average. He has shown more effort this year than last I think, but if he was really a blue collar hustle player, I think that would convert to defense.

Lee is very agile and athletic on offense, he has decent size at 6'9" and 250 pounds, and has good leaping ability. He gets a lot of offensive rebounds and putbacks on a quick second jump. He obviously reads offensive situations very well, knowing how and when to cut off the pick and roll. Judging from Lee's offensive abilities, it seems like he has the quicks, size, athleticism, awareness, and desire to be a great defender. So why does he suck at defense so much?

Maybe it's effort. He exerts himself on offense, so maybe he saves his energy on defense. He doesn't exactly look to be in the best physical shape, and you never hear stories about his outstanding work ethic or anything about his training in the offseason. Maybe he just relaxes in the offseason. I have no idea and I hope this is not the case.

It's possible Lee just doesn't get it on the defensive end. A huge part of being a good defensive player is mental, and maybe a guy like Shane Battier just understands how to play D, and a super athletic guy like Derek Rose or Nate Robinson just do not have the innate ability to defend. David Lee might just be like that.

He could just be mailing it in because he realizes the team sucks. If LeBron James comes to the Knicks, he will instantly bring with him the belief that the team will be champs. David Lee may be more motivated and confident with LeBron leading the Knicks. LeBron would demand Lee step up, and maybe he will. He may have some potential to untap.

Lee has played some occasional good defense this season, and maybe he will step up his game and lead the team. The Knicks do not have a clear leader, but right now I think David Lee is the best thing they got. Maybe Danilo if he is given a bigger role from D'Antoni could be that guy.

Here is a good post that I pretty much agree with completely. Good example of Lee's lackluster defense. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/131725-david-lees-lack-of-d-is-all-star-voters-defense