With an excess of capable young bodies needing minutes in their frontcourt, there was never really room on the Celtics for veteran big man David Lee. Now his time in Boston has officially drawn to a close.
According to a report by Shams Charania of The Vertical on Friday, the Celtics, who were unable to find a new home for Lee before Thursday’s trade deadline, have waived the two-time All-Star. Charania also notes that the Dallas Mavericks are “significant frontrunners” to sign the 32-year-old.
The Dallas Mavericks are significant frontrunners for free agent David Lee, who was waived by Boston, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 19, 2016
Lee had only been averaging 7.1 points per game and and 4.3 rebounds per game in 15.7 minutes per game for the Celtics this season. But he isn’t too far removed from the guy who, for many years, was a nightly double-double threat for the Golden State Warriors, especially when considering his still-stellar per 36 minute stats.
While Lee was always living on borrowed time in Boston, his post-up game, velvety-smooth touch around the rim, and hard work as a pick-and-roll guy and a rebounder will assure his continued survival in the NBA.
Lee would be on a nice fit on a Mavericks team looking to cut down Dirk Nowitzki’s minutes by finding a dependable third big behind him and Zaza Pachulia. And for a guy that can still give you 25-30 quality minutes a night, Dallas shouldn’t be the only team interested in Lee’s services.
