The Knicks youth movement will need to make room for veteran guard returning from injury.
Courtney Lee — Image Credit: : AP / Brandon Dill
The pending return of veteran Courtney Lee will force the Knicks to tweak their rotation again. He’s also a strong defender with the ability to knock down the three-point shot. Head coach David Fizdale, however, is committed to a youth movement. The results from this decision have been favorable.
How Fizdale implements Lee, without disrupting the on-court chemistry of the youngsters, will be worth watching. The Knicks need to give Lee playing time if they plan on trying to trade him.
Allonzo Trier, Trey Burke, and Emmanuel Mudiay are all benefiting from increased minutes. The Knicks are also still trying to figure out what they have in second-year guard Frank Ntilikina. The team is thriving from the momentum of a three-game win streak, fueled by their young players.
DUNK ON 'EM @emmanuelmudiay 😮 pic.twitter.com/ftvkPM1eNm
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 26, 2018
“The thing I’m most happy with is the way that we’re taking punches and we keep coming and we’re figuring out ways to win games now,” Fizdale said after the team’s road victory over Memphis.” Whether it’s getting stops. A timely executed play. Big shot from somebody. This young team is starting to figure a couple of things out.”
Lee’s veteran presence is always a plus. He still has two years left on his deal at around roughly $25 million. His contract, age, and ability to be a “3-and-D” player make him appealing to playoff contenders. If he’s healthy.
Lee’s health is just as big a question for the Knicks as where they’ll be able to fit him into their rotation. There isn’t much detail on the neck injury which has sidelined him all season. If he’s still feeling effects from it, that’s going to raise eyebrows from potential trade suitors.
The only way to address those concerns is for Lee to get back on the court.
