<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">- David Lee appeared displeased by Isiah Thomas' statement that he will be heading to the bench shortly, when Jared Jeffries and Channing Frye make their returns. Lee, the team's most popular and scrappiest player, had always followed the company line, so his remarks were very significant. "I'm surprised he's already made the decision," said Lee, who's started at power forward since Frye sprained his ankle 10 days ago. Thomas said he believes Lee is better off providing energy with the second unit. But Lee, shooting 63.3 percent (third best in the league), will see his minutes decrease. "Let's put it this way," Lee said, "I don't think it's a compliment. At the same time, I respect his judgment on whatever he decides to do, whether coming off the bench or playing. I'd like to think I can bring that consistent energy if I start or I'm off the bench." Thomas' decision to bench Lee, perhaps as soon as Monday when Jeffries returns, could stem from his belief he would take the demotion in stride. On a positive note, Lee (13 points, 7 boards in last night's despicable 113-102 loss to Washington) will remain in position to win Sixth Man of the Year. Lee is a perfect complement for Eddy Curry up front, as the former Florida star provides the intangibles Curry doesn't. Lee said he's played in the front court with Curry since 2001 in the McDonald's High School All-Star Classic. "I like playing with him because I think I can do the little things for him and simplify the game for him," Lee said. Lee tried to be diplomatic about returning to the bench. "As long as I can get a chance to go in and contribute and our team gets on a winning streak in December, that's first and foremost in importance," Lee said.</div> Source Lee is having a monster season and is putting up ridiculous numbers with high efficiency. He is the perfect compliment to Curry, because Lee will do all the dirty work Curry doesn't like. Neither Frye or Jeffries is going to rebound and bang in the post when they return. The best position for Jeffries is actually SF, because he can use his length on defense. He's not a tough interior defender and gets rubbed off easily once contact is made. I hope this decision ultimately bites Isiah in the butt when Lee's rookie contract ends.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Source Lee is having a monster season and is putting up ridiculous numbers with high efficiency. He is the perfect compliment to Curry, because Lee will do all the dirty work Curry doesn't like. Neither Frye or Jeffries is going to rebound and bang in the post when they return. The best position for Jeffries is actually SF, because he can use his length on defense. He's not a tough interior defender and gets rubbed off easily once contact is made. I hope this decision ultimately bites Isiah in the butt when Lee's rookie contract ends.</div> I don't think Thomas will be around that long to make that decision.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Thomas' decision to bench Lee, perhaps as soon as Monday when Jeffries returns, could stem from his belief he would take the demotion in stride.</div> I think that's why Isiah's benching him. Everyone else on the roster expects to start and he probably figured demoting Lee would harm the team's chemistry the least. It's a shame that Lee has to take the fall, because Isiah couldn't put together a roster that actually works.
too many egos. Thomas need not worry about who is playing and who is not. just find a lineup that works and who ever is mad let them be mad. its not a coaches job to make the whole team happy its his job to win. And if the knicks start winning with that lineup whomever isnt happy about their spot on the team F them.
Lee was one of the most consistent double double guys on the floor for the Knicks during that one stretch. Unbelievable.
<div class="quote_poster">MrJ Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think Thomas will be around that long to make that decision.</div> Beat me to it!
