David Lee News: Pro Sports Daily

Can't blame Knicks' Lee for wandering eye

Comment

March 9

New York Post

columnist George Willis

"Maybe he was just saying the politically correct thing, which is what David Lee normally has done during his four years with the Knicks. Despite playing on a series of underachieving teams, he never complained about the coaching, never ridiculed teammates who seemed less committed than he; never questioned trades that destroyed any chance for the Knicks to be competitive. Instead of voicing frustration, Lee has tried to stay positive and do his job, even if it meant playing center when he should be playing power forward. "I'm in the position I'm in right now, so I'll do my best at it," he said last night after totaling 19 points and 13 rebounds in the Knicks' 99-98 win over the Hawks at ..."

Harrington and Lee power OT win after McGrady sits

Comment

February 27

New York Post

"Tracy McGrady did his work early, and Al Harrington and David Lee took care of things late when McGrady's left knee stiffened. As their newest star sat out the fourth quarter and overtime, the Knicks snapped their eight-game losing streak with their first win since the deal that brought McGrady from the Rockets on Feb. 18, 118-116 over the Wizards in overtime. Harrington, on the same day he met President Obama courtesy of teammate Chris Duhon, scored 37 points and Lee notched the game-winner on a driving layup with 1.6 seconds left in OT at the Verizon Center. McGrady finished with 23 points after a terrific first half, but sat out the game's final 19:32. Lee scored four of the Knicks' ..."

David Lee's last second layup gives New York Knicks 118-116 OT win over Washington Wizards

Comment

February 27

New York Daily News

"Tracy McGrady spent the most critical moments of his first win in a Knicks uniform on the bench. "I was the biggest cheerleader over there," he said. "But my first Knick win felt pretty good." McGrady sat the final 17:32, including perhaps the worst overtime period in NBA history, as Mike D'Antoni's team snapped an eight-game losing streak when David Lee hit a layup with 1.6 seconds left lifted the Knicks to a 118-116 victory over the Wizards Friday night. "I told him I wanted him to go in and make the basket," D'Antoni said of Lee's drive past Washington's shot-blocking center JaVale McGee. Lee finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds, but it was Al Harrington's 37 points off the bench ..."

Walsh: Cap room helps David Lee

Comment

February 21

New York Post

"The Knicks' extra cap room and new options, team president Donnie Walsh said, give them better odds of keeping free agent David Lee -- a point that is debatable. "It's much better for David," Walsh said before the Knicks' 121-118 overtime loss to the Thunder last night. "That I'll tell you." But Walsh indicated he's still evaluating Lee, despite his All-Star selection as an injury replacement and his 30 points and 10 rebounds against Oklahoma City. "But for all the players on the team now, they got to show they can play intense playoff-type basketball," Walsh said."

Trade Puts Knicks on the Clock With Lee

Comment

February 20

New York Times

"Tracy McGrady's arrival on Thursday may lead directly to David Lee's departure in July. The issue is salary-cap rules. By acquiring McGrady's large expiring contract, the Knicks created nearly enough cap room to sign two superstars this summer. To use that cap room, they first have to renounce the rights to all of their free agents, including Lee. That means the Knicks will forfeit Lee's Bird rights, which allow a team to exceed the cap to keep one of its players. Once they are under the cap, they will also lose the midlevel exception, a salary slot worth about $6 million. So if the Knicks sign two maximum-salaried players, say LeBron James and Chris Bosh, should they become free agents, ..."

New York Knicks forward David Lee and LeBron James play teammates for a day at All-Star Game

Comment

February 15

New York Daily News

"David Lee's All-Star Weekend didn't include giving LeBron James a recruiting pitch, and for good reason. "It's hard for me to say to him, 'Come to New York because if you do chances are I won't be here,'" Lee said. "His chances of being in New York are as good as mine. Right now, it's up in the air.""

Lee just happy to be seeing Stars

Comment

February 14

New York Post

"Earning his way to Dallas as a last-minute injury replacement did not take the excitement away for David Lee. "It doesn't at all," said Lee, who will debut as an All-Star tomorrow before 90,000 fans at the new Cowboys Stadium. "At the end of the day, you're still an All-Star, and I'm still going to get a chance to play in the game, so that's important. And I'm still here representing New York and I think the fans and people in New York are excited about that. It's all the same." The 6-foot-9 Lee is the Knicks' first All-Star since 2001, when Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell made it -- the latter as an injury replacement. Lee takes the place of Allen Iverson, who won't attend for personal ..."

James upset Lee, not teammates, in Dallas

Comment

February 14

New York Post

"Sources say LeBron James likes David Lee and his work ethic, but that doesn't mean King James agreed the Knicks power forward should have gotten the nod over Shaquille O'Neal as an injury replacement for Allen Iverson. James went on a Cleveland-gets-no-respect rant yesterday following the Eastern Conference's practice, specifying how deeply he yearns to bring Cleveland its first-ever NBA championship. Tonight, James and Lee will be on the same side when the All-Star Game sets an attendance basketball record with more than 90,000 expected at the new Cowboys Stadium. "It's going to be a rock concert," James said. When asked by The Post about Lee getting the nod over Shaquille O'Neal, James ..."

Despite New York Knicks' woes, consistency earns David Lee an All-Star berth

Comment

February 13

New York Daily News

"David Lee was in the middle of an All-Star break nap at home in New York on Thursday when his cell phone began vibrating. "After the third call," Lee said. "I decided to pick it up." It was opportunity calling in the form of Knicks president Donnie Walsh. Lee's dream of becoming an All-Star had finally come to fruition and it was Walsh's job to deliver the good news. "Mr. Walsh told me if I wanted to be an All-Star I had 20 minutes to catch the NBA charter at Newark (Airport)," Lee added. "I got ready pretty quickly." NBA commissioner David Stern added Lee to the Eastern Conference roster after Philadelphia's Allen Iverson pulled out of the game to tend to his ill daughter. Stern had ..."

David Lee on All-Star team, Smoove (gladly) on the beach

Comment

February 12

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Ever since the All-Star reserves were announced and Smoove didn't make it, it's seemed everyone around him has been more outraged about it. Family, friends, fans, media-everyone seems to think Smoove got screwed, except for Smoove. And it continued that way right up to the All-Star break. After the Hawks lost to the Heat last night, someone asked Smoove if he hoped to be picked as the replacement for A. I., who it turns out won't play for personal reasons. Commish Stern picked Knicks center David Lee to replace him. "My flight is booked," Smoove said, laughing. "I'm really not even thinking about that. I am thinking about sticking my feet in the sand." He's headed to the Turks and Caicos ..."

Knicks' Lee named to replace Iverson on All-Star team

Comment

February 12

New York Post

"The Knicks have their All-Star after all. David Lee will replace Allen Iverson on the Eastern Conference team after Iverson dropped out for personal reasons. Lee is averaging 20 points and 11.4 rebounds (fifth in the NBA), and has recorded 30 double-doubles. Lee, shooting 56 percent, was bypassed in the coach's vote, losing out to Al Horford and Gerald Wallace due to the Knicks' sliding record. Mavericks guard Jason Kidd also was named by commissioner David Stern to replace injured West All-Star guard Kobe Bryant (ankle) of the Lakers. Lee left for Dallas, site of Sunday's game, today on a charter as most flights to snowy Dallas were cancelled. He will become the Knicks' first All-Star ..."

David Lee named an All-Star as Knicks eye Tracy McGrady trade

Comment

February 12

New York Daily News

"The Knicks roster now includes a 2010 All-Star and by next week Donnie Walsh is hoping it will include an impact player as well. Walsh, the Knicks' president, is actively looking to upgrade the club before Thursday's trade deadline and Houston's Tracy McGrady remains his primary target. The Knicks are also interested in Chicago forward Tyrus Thomas and just about any point guard out there. "There are no deals imminent," Walsh said Thursday. "We're seeing what's out there and if anything makes sense for us." Walsh is open to trading just about anyone with the exception of Danilo Gallinari and David Lee; Lee was selected to his first All-Star team yesterday by NBA commissioner David Stern. ..."

Lee, Replacing Iverson, Is Knicks' First All-Star Since 2001

Comment

February 12

New York Times

"Amid another miserable season, the Knicks received some good news on Thursday: David Lee is an All-Star. Lee, the Knicks' fifth-year center, was selected by Commissioner David Stern to replace the Philadelphia 76ers' Allen Iverson, who will miss Sunday's All-Star Game for personal reasons. The Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant has also bowed out, because of injuries, and will be replaced by Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks. Bryant and Iverson had been voted into the starting lineup by fans. Lee's selection ends the Knicks' nine-year All-Star drought, the second-longest streak in the league. The last Knicks players to make an All-Star team were Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston in 2001. ..."

Iverson bows out of All-Star Game; to be replaced by Knicks David Lee

Comment

February 12

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Allen Iverson will not play in Sunday's All-Star Game because of personal reasons that also have kept the 76ers guard out of the lineup since Jan. 31. Last night, the NBA announced two changes for Sunday's game: Iverson, who was voted in by the fans as a starter, will be replaced by New York Knicks center David Lee. Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, out with a sprained ankle, will be replaced by Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd. Iverson's personal matter is related to his daughter, who is ill. He missed the Sixers' last five games before the break. Until yesterday afternoon, all indications were that the 34-year-old Iverson would arrive last night in Dallas – which is hosting all-star ..."

Knicks' Lee, Nets' Lopez named to U.S. national team roster

Comment

February 11

New York Post

"David Lee and LeBron James will be working out together this summer, but not for the reason Knicks fans have fantasized about. Lee, along with the Nets' Brooke Lopez, were the two local players selected for the U.S. team's roster this summer. The roster includes 27 players that will work out this summer. A group will be picked from those 27 that will play in this year's World Championships and the 2012 Olympics in London. James, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade headline the roster, but contract situations could prevent James, Wade and Chris Bosh from participating. All three are free agents and have said that status is their top priority."

David Lee represents Knicks players at funeral for Hall of Famer Dick McGuire

Comment

February 9

New York Daily News

"Led by team president Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni, the Knicks sent a full delegation of officials, coaches and current and former players to Hall of Famer Dick McGuire's funeral Monday on Long Island. Among the crowd of around 400 at St. Elizabeth Parish in Melville were St. John's icons Lou Carnesecca and Chris Mullin. McGuire, a star at St.John's before he went on to play for the Knicks, died last week at 84."

All-Star Game snub serves as more motivation for Knicks' Lee

Comment

February 5

USA Today

"Being passed over for an All-Star Game berth probably won't motivate New York Knicks forward/center David Lee any more than the incentive that has made him a rising star."I've been given the opportunity to be one of the captains in the league and on this team and I'm just trying to make the right decisions and play for the right reasons," Lee says. After breaking out last season by averaging 16 points, Lee is averaging a career-best 19.7 points (second among centers) with 11.5 rebounds (third). He has emerged as the leader of a team that at times looks like a playoff qualifier - and at times falls woefully short of that goal. The Knicks went 6-9 in January, including a 50-point home loss ..."

New York Knicks forward David Lee may play with USA Basketball

Comment

February 4

New York Daily News

"David Lee has been invited back to train with USA Basketball this summer and is a candidate to play with the national team at the World Championships in Turkey in August. Lee was part of the player pool last July but opted not to practice with the national team in Las Vegas because he was a restricted free agent and had not yet signed a contract. USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo has started the process of contacting players and their agents about their participation this summer. Colangelo is hoping that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will all commit to the team even though the three players from the 2008 Olympic gold medal squad will be free agents this summer. In all ..."

David Lee's NBA All-Star bid falls short as Knicks star fails to earn reserve spot

Comment

January 29

New York Daily News

"David Lee made it into the conversation for a potential All-Star spot but couldn't make the final roster. Lee was not one of the seven reserves named to the Eastern Conference squad Thursday for next month's All-Star Game in Dallas. The Daily News first reported Lee's omission from the team early Thursday morning on its Web site. "It's disappointing but it's more motivation," Lee said Thursday night. "Everybody that made it is very well-deserved and having a great season. I thought I had a good chance but it didn't work out that way." Lee is putting up All-Star caliber numbers; he entered last night's game averaging 19.4 points and 11.4 rebounds, but ultimately the Knicks' losing record ..."

New York Knicks' record costs David Lee shot at All-Star bid

Comment

January 29

New York Daily News

"The Knicks got another All-Star effort from David Lee Thursday night, with numbers to match, except his 29 points and 18 rebounds wound up in the wrong place once again. They went into the loss column. Lee's got the numbers to be an All-Star, except when it comes to the only ones that matter: Wins. By frittering away a five-point lead in the final 1:47 in their crushing 106-104 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the Garden, the Knicks collected their 27th loss in 45 games. Twenty-seven is the number that doomed Lee's All-Star candidacy. "I've been in that situation before," said Toronto's Chris Bosh, who delivered a key layup in the final 16 seconds on the same day he was named to his fifth ..."

Knicks' Lee will use snub as motivation

Comment

January 29

New York Post

"David Lee was not named to the NBA All-Star Team as a reserve, and he plans to use the snub as fuel going forward. "Plenty of motivation has been handed to me the rest of the season,'' Lee said before the Knicks played the Raptors. With the Knicks eight games under .500, it's not a shock the Knicks have been shut out of the main Game again. Lee's numbers were clearly All-Star material, averaging more than 19 points and 11 rebounds. But the record (18-26) is not up to snuff. "The overall message was nobody was taken with a below-.500 record,'' Lee said. "It's motivation. Everyone who made it was very well-deserved. I thought I had a good chance.'' The three big men chosen as reserves are ..."

Knicks' David Lee hoping for All-Star selection

Comment

January 28

Bergen Record

"Drop David Lee's name on coaches around the NBA and they offer nothing but positive reviews. "David Lee is playing at the highest level I think he's played in his career." — Miami's Erik Spoelstra. "David Lee is having a tremendous year." — Oklahoma City's Scott Brooks. "He's really increased the different things he does on the court." — Dallas' Rick Carlisle. But ask about his chances of becoming the first Knick to make the All-Star team since Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell in 2001 and some turn into Ralph Kramden babbling, "Humunah, humunah." "It's obvious that he's made a great case [but] the issue is, where do you put him?" — Charlotte's Larry Brown. "Uhh … I don't know, but he's ..."

Knicks' Lee to learn All-Star fate tonight

Comment

January 28

New York Post

"From coach Mike D'Antoni to team president Donnie Walsh, the Knicks think David Lee deserves to be an All-Star. And before tonight's game against Toronto, they will find out if their blossoming center has become the team's first to receive the honor in nearly a decade. "I'm excited to see what happens," said Lee, who could join defending dunk champ Nate Robinson and Rookie Challenge invitee Danilo Gallinari in Dallas. "I wouldn't be upset if I didn't make it, but it'd be cool, especially for the fans, who haven't had an All-Star in a while." Try back in 2001, when Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston were selected for the team. It's no coincidence that that was the last season the team had a ..."

Knicks' David Lee in running for All-Star Game reserve nod

Comment

January 27

New York Daily News

"David Lee is the great white (American) hope. But just don't tell him that. If the Knicks center is one of the seven players named as a reserve to the Eastern Conference All-Star team Thursday, he will become the first U.S.-born white player to be an All-Star since 2004. Lee would also end another dubious streak; the Knicks haven't been represented at the league's midseason showcase event since 2001, when Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston were picked. "More than a black-white issue it would just be nice for New York since the Knicks haven't had an All-Star since 2001," said Lee, who had 28 points and 10 rebounds in last night's rout of Minnesota. "That's the way I look at it. People get ..."

Walsh: Lee should be an All-Star

Comment

January 24

New York Post

"Knicks team president Donnie Walsh admits David Lee is better than he thought this past summer and thinks he should be named to the All-Star team as an Eastern reserve. Coaches received their ballots Friday. The results will be announced Thursday. The bad side is if Lee is named to the All-Star team, his market value could make it such that Walsh will not have cap space to re-sign him if the Knicks hit the jackpot and land LeBron James. "He's played well enough to be an All-Star," Walsh said. "I'm not usually a guy who touts his own players. If you're asking me the question, he's had a great year." Lee's 31-point, 17-rebound night vs. the Lakers on national TV could help his cause, but the ..."

Pistons extend winning streak, survive 4th-quarter scare

Comment

January 17

Detroit Free Press

"It looked as if noted Pistons killer David Lee was going for the SportsCenter spot after the NFL playoffs when he scored 16 points in the first quarter Saturday night for the Knicks. But the Pistons and Lee probably settled for barely a mention when he managed only 10 points the rest of the way in the Pistons' 94-90 victory -- the team's third straight after a 13-game losing streak. Lee dominated the Pistons (14-25), getting to the basket in the first quarter as he shot 7-for-10. But defended primarily by Ben Wallace and Jason Maxiell, Lee was harassed into a 2-for-9 shooting performance the rest of the way. Wallace blocked three of Lee's shots in the third quarter -- including a sequence ..."

Knicks' Lee is go-to guy, even in grief

Comment

January 14

New York Post

columnist Jay Greenberg

"The Knicks, their playoff hopes seemingly legitimized by a 12-6 surge during a year designed primarily to hold cap space, went through Houston and Oklahoma City without a win, so to whom would they go last night when they needed to prevent an all-too familiar backslide? "You go to the team," coach Mike D'Antoni said before the game. The star, remember, is not supposed to come until July, and presumably only if he sees winning complementary players in place. And what a sad irony it would be if the Knicks can't keep David Lee, the star they have grown. For now, in Lee, they have increasingly more than just a workhorse sidekick and as a result, last night's gut-check victory. Lee hit a ..."

David Lee wins it for Knicks day after granddad's death

Comment

January 14

New York Post

"When the Knicks spurned Allen Iverson in late November, they decided they would live without an All-Star, late-game, go-to guy. Apparently, the Sixers are living without a late-game, All-Star go-to guy, even with Iverson on board. Iverson twice passed up a final possession shot that could have given Philadelphia a win, but the Knicks' emerging go-to guy, David Lee became the hero on a night he played with a heavy heart. Lee, whose 92-year-old grandfather, E. Desmond Lee died in St. Louis on Tuesday, bounced home a layup off a pick-and-roll with Chris Duhon with 14.3 seconds left. The shot gave the Knicks a dramatic 93-92 victory over the Sixers at Wachovia Center, snapping their two-game ..."

Lee's layup with 13.3 seconds left lifts New York Knicks over Philadelphia 76ers

Comment

January 14

New York Daily News

"There was nothing textbook about David Lee's final shot, just storybook. Lee was a little off-balance and needed a couple of friendly bounces before the ball finally found the basket. But the shot will be one of Lee's most cherished moments. Lee's jump hook with 13.3 seconds remaining lifted the Knicks to a 93-92 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, their first win in 10 games at the Wachovia Center. Immediately following the game, Lee and his girlfriend were on a charter flight home to St. Louis where Lee will attend this morning's funeral for his 92-year-old grandfather, E. Desmond Lee, who died on Tuesday after suffering a stroke last week. The Lee family patriarch was a renowned ..."

Knicks Edge the 76ers on Lee's Late Basket

Comment

January 14

New York Times

"David Lee's shot bounced and bounced again, apparently not satisfied until it met every part of the rim. The flirting lasted mere seconds, but it was longer in Lee's mind. That gave him time to think. In the past day, he had not done much but think. E. Desmond Lee, David Lee's grandfather and a prominent St. Louis businessman and philanthropist, died Tuesday at 92. Lee debated returning to Missouri to be with his family before deciding to stay with the Knicks. When the net finally swallowed his shot with 13 seconds remaining Wednesday night, the Knicks were able to salvage the finale of their three-game trip with a 93-92 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. "By the time it bounced around ..."

David Lee in OKC?

Comment

January 12

The Oklahoman

"Knicks forward David Lee sometimes is mentioned as a possible piece to add to Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook. Does Lee, a free agent in the ballyhooed 2010 class, feel he would fit in Oklahoma City? "Any team that has cap space, you have to give thought to,” Lee said. "I got to spend time with all of three of them last summer at the Olympic camp in (Las) Vegas. They’re all good guys. I’ve known Jeff a couple of years. Anytime you have exciting young players, it would be a fun place to play.” Even though Oklahoma City will be $14 million under the salary cap, Lee, who led the NBA in double-doubles last season and is averaging 19.1 points and 10.9 rebounds, realizes Thunder ..."

With grandfather seriously ill, Lee might leave team any day

Comment

January 11

New York Post

(scroll down)

"Lee is having trouble feeling too good about his basketball as he deals with a personal crisis off the court. Lee's 92-year-old grandfather is on his deathbed and the forward may have to leave the team any day."

Lee getting used to receiving 'Star' treatment

Comment

January 11

New York Post

"David Lee found out in Houston what it is like to receive All-Star treatment. After his 20-point explosion in the first half in Houston on Saturday, in which he scored on an array of mid-range jumpers, turnarounds and driving layups, the Rockets keyed their defense to stop Lee. In the second half, Lee was held to six points. The extra attention is something new to Lee, who's in the All-Star conversation after scoring 20-plus points for the 17th time -- two times more than all last season. Lee is averaging a team-leading 19.1. "In the third quarter, when I got it at the top, they were packing the paint in," Lee told The Post. "Their wings and guards were helping a lot. I'll know how to ..."

Houston: Knicks' Lee should be playing with LeBron in All-Star Game

Comment

January 10

New York Post

"Allan Houston sees a difference in David Lee, and it's not the gaudy numbers. Houston sees an All-Star by his definition. Houston, now the assistant to the president, and Latrell Sprewell are the last Knicks to make the All-Star Team -- in 2001. "I only see an All-Star as someone who helps a team win," Houston told the Post. "I think the coaches vote for people who see that person helping their team in crucial situations to win games and not just a person putting up lot of numbers." The announcement on All-Star reserves will come Jan. 28. Coaches will get their ballots Jan. 22. If the Knicks (15-20), who begin a three-game road trip tonight vs. the Rockets, continue this surge during the ..."

Led by Lee, Knicks Find an Opponent to Dominate

Comment

December 30

New York Times

"David Lee was a free agent with no offers on the table last summer. The Detroit Pistons were spending lavishly but sent their checks elsewhere. On Tuesday, Lee visited the Palace for the first time this season and, as if on cue, did everything possible to fill the arena with regret. Lee, showing off his newfound shooting range, scored on an array of layups and jumpers for a season-high 30 points in a 104-87 rout by the Knicks. He also had 12 rebounds and 5 assists in one of his most complete games this season. "He's really getting a lot of confidence in his outside shot," Coach Mike D'Antoni said of Lee. "You can see he's just not hesitating." The Knicks (12-19) won for the ninth time in ..."

Lee might be playing too well to stick around

Comment

December 24

New York Post

"There is a sad irony to David Lee's continued emergence as a budding All-Star power forward. The better he plays, the more likely Lee will command a contract too rich for the Knicks' salary cap. If the Knicks sign a player to maximum contract in 2010, a la LeBron James, they will have about $10 million left over to offer Lee in the first year of a long-term deal. If the Knicks continue their winning surge, and if Lee gets named to his first All-Star Game as a reserve, $10 million may not be enough. Lee acknowledged there's no telling what his future holds now that he will be an unrestricted free agent and the Knicks can't match any offer. Lee's preference, though, is to stay here if the ..."

Tough act to follow

Comment

December 23

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Bulls nearly found the perfect way to get everyone to stop talking about their monumental collapse: Stage a dramatic late comeback of their own. But their furious rally -- cutting a 22-point deficit to one -- fizzled in the final minute Tuesday night as the New York Knicks held on for an 88-81 victory at Madison Square Garden. In the end, the Bulls' frustration -- which already was high after their 35-point gag against the Sacramento Kings on Monday -- merely grew as another uneven performance left them with two losses in back-to-back games. Afterward, it was an introspective locker room as the players searched for reasons for their inconsistency. ''Right now, it's tough because we're ..."

Clippers blow 20-point lead in loss to Knicks

Comment

December 19

Los Angeles Times

"David Lee scored 17 of his 25 points in the second half, and the New York Knicks erased a 20-point deficit to beat the Clippers, 95-91, on Friday night. Chris Duhon added 17 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for the Knicks, who never led until the fourth quarter but found a way to win after blowing leads while losing their last two games. Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler each finished with 14 points. Jonathan Bender scored nine points in his first action since Nov. 5, 2005. Chris Kaman had 20 points and nine rebounds, and Baron Davis scored 19 points for the Clippers, who were looking for a third straight win but managed only 33 points in the second half. The Clippers had won four ..."

Bender makes his comeback count big

Comment

December 19

New York Post

"After a painful bone-on-bone condition forced Jonathan Bender off the basketball court four years ago and into the operating room over and over, returning to the NBA wasn't foremost in his thoughts. Bender was working toward just being able to walk and live a normal life. But Bender had never been a quitter. Not when he played big playoff games with the Pacers, and not when he sweated his way through grueling rehab. He was determined to chase the NBA dream one last time and he finally caught it when he made his comeback in the Knicks' own 95-91 comeback win against the Clippers last night. "It's a dream come true," said Bender, who played his first game since Nov. 5, 2005. He had nine ..."

Knicks stay cool on hot streak

Comment

December 15

New York Post

"One thing you can't accuse the Knicks of being is overconfident after their recent run. The Knicks are in the midst of one of their best stretches in recent memory, riding a four-game winning streak, and five wins in their last six games. So, at least publicly, the team isn't paying any attention to what's happened over the past two weeks. The Knicks say they are focused solely on tonight's game in Charlotte (7:00, MSG, WEPN). "I think we've just got to play Tuesday night and deal with it, and try to get better," coach Mike D'Antoni said after yesterday's practice in Greenburgh. "We're in a good streak right now, but we've got a lot of improving to do, and [tonight] will be a nice test, ..."

Knicks need to do better board work

Comment

October 16

New York Post

"Danilo Gallinari and the Knicks have shot about as well as a group of elementary school kids this preseason. Their well-chronicled struggles from the floor have them shooting just 37 percent as a team, and a miserable 24 percent from three-point land. But their sorry shooting is not even the biggest problem the team faces going into tonight's exhibition game with the Nets at the Garden (7:30; MSG). After all, this year's group is essentially the same as last year's team which shot 45 percent from the field and 36 percent from 3-point land despite the early season trades of Zach Randolph and sharpshooter Jamal Crawford in moves to dump salary. So fans can reasonably expect the Knicks, who ..."

Lee, Krypto-Nate stick with Knicks

Comment

September 25

New York Post

"Credit Donnie Walsh for this one. The Knicks president got his men -- David Lee and Nate Robinson -- for one-year deals, at fair market value and with his 2010 cap space untouched. Lee joined Robinson in the fold yesterday by agreeing to a one-year, $7.5 million deal. There is an incentive clause for $500,000 if the Knicks make the playoffs, which likely is not happening. Lee will sign the contract today -- three days before the Knicks open training camp and avoiding the ugly specter of a holdout. On Wednesday, Robinson, their other restricted free agent, also reached a verbal agreement with the Knicks on a one-year deal for more than the $2.9 million qualifier, believed to be in excess of ..."

David Lee and Knicks agree to one-year, $7 million deal

Comment

September 25

New York Daily News

"It wasn't exactly the lucrative contract David Lee was hoping to land, but in the end, his one-year contract was far more lucrative than the Knicks were required to pay. Lee's drawn out free agency ended Thursday when the veteran power forward agreed to a $7 million contract, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein. Lee's qualifying offer was $2.6 million. The Knicks did not have to increase the deal since Lee failed to sign an offer sheet with another club after he became a restricted free agent on July 1st. If Lee signed an offer sheet, the Knicks would have been given seven days to match any deal. Lee was looking for a long-term contract worth approximately $12 million annually. Under ..."

Lee, Knicks reach 1-year deal

Comment

September 25

New York Post

"Knicks power forward David Lee reached a verbal agreement on a one-year, $8 million deal this afternoon that includes a $500,000 incentive clause for making the playoffs, his agent told The Post tonight. Lee will sign the contract Friday, three days before the Knicks open training camp and avoid the spectre of a holdout. Yesterday, restricted free agent Nate Robinson also reached a verbal agreement with the Knicks on a one-year deal for more than the $2.9M qualifier, believed to be in excess of $4M. "We got a deal done,'' Lee's agent Mark Bartelstein told The Post tonight. "It took a long time and we went through a lot of things but both sides are comfortable. It was very unique ..."

Knicks Reach 1-Year Deal With Lee

Comment

September 25

New York Times

"After a frustrating summer of free-agent purgatory, David Lee finally has a deal to return to the Knicks, albeit for less money and less long-term security than he wanted. Lee agreed to terms Thursday on a one-year contract worth up to $8 million, according to his agent Mark Bartelstein. The Knicks declined to comment, but all indications are that the deal will be completed Friday - four days before training camp begins. "I'm excited to be in New York," Lee said Thursday night in a telephone interview. "That's what I set out to do in the first place." Nate Robinson, the Knicks' other high-profile free agent, also has agreed to a one-year deal, which should be finalized soon."

Knicks, Nate near deal; Lee a holdout?

Comment

September 24

New York Post

"While Knicks guard Nate Robinson is close to signing a one-year deal for more than the $2.9 million qualifying offer, the real story is David Lee's situation, which is a lot less certain just four days before training camp opens in Saratoga. According to a source, Robinson could ink a one-year contract after agreeing to major portions of a incentive-laden deal. A source with intimate knowledge of the situation said the deal still must be finalized but could be signed today or tomorrow. Knicks officials are confident they also will ink Lee to a one-year deal before Monday's camp. But his agent, Mark Bartelstein, stopped short of saying that, raising the specter of a holdout. Robinson had ..."

Knicks close to inking David Lee and Nate Robinson to one-year deals

Comment

September 22

New York Daily News

"The Knicks are working toward finalizing one-year contracts for David Lee and Nate Robinson. "I don't want to say that we're close but we're trying to get something done," Knicks president Donnie Walsh said Monday. Lee and Robinson are restricted free agents who both have the option of signing offer sheets with other clubs. The Knicks would have seven days to match the offers. Instead, they figure to sign one-year contracts with the Knicks, which would make them unrestricted free agents next July 1."

Knicks president Donnie Walsh thinks David Lee, Nate Robinson will re-sign

Comment

September 2

New York Daily News

"Knicks president Donnie Walsh is confident that both David Lee and Nate Robinson will re-sign with the club before training camp opens later this month. "Things are moving along," Walsh said Tuesday. "Nothing is imminent, but the talks have been good." Lee and Robinson are restricted free agents, and Walsh has said repeatedly that he wants to retain both players. Lee had hoped to get a long-term contract worth between $10 million and $12 million annually, either with the Knicks or another team. Instead, he'll likely have to settle for a one-year contract with the Knicks worth approximately $7 million. Robinson's one-year contract could be worth as much as $5 million. Those deals would ..."

David Lee Could Hold Out of Knicks Camp

Comment

August 28

New York Post

"The agent for David Lee would not rule out the possibility of his client being an unsigned contract holdout when Knicks training camp opens Sept. 28. In the NBA, it is almost unheard-of for players of Lee's stature to be camp holdouts. "I certainly hope not, but you have to have an agreement," agent Mark Bartelstein told The Post yesterday. "I never thought we'd be this far without a deal. It comes down to making a deal. You have to ask [team president] Donnie [Walsh]." "All we've agreed is if we can't do a sign-and-trade, we will work out a reasonable one-year deal," Bartelstein said. Walsh did not return phone calls. Bartelstein said Lee will not accept the $2.5 million qualifying offer ..."