Apple of New York’s eye: David Lee would benefit if Zach Randolph gets traded

NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their news: “A source said the Knicks would use Milicic prominently in a three-man rotation that would have Curry and David Lee  David Lee starting up front and Milicic as first big man off the bench. The trade would reduce the importance of top pick Danilo Gallinari making an immediate impact. The proposal was reported Friday on a newspaper blog in Memphis. Reportedly, one holdup is Memphis wanting the Knicks to pay Randolph’s deferred money in the deal.” (New York Post, linked on CNNSI Fan Nation)

Our Very Quick Analysis: This proposed trade would save New York 10 million dollars and land them Darko Milicic, the second overall pick in the 2003 draft.

Believe it or not, there is another juicy side-story to this rumour. As reported by the New York Post, if Randolph gets dealt then David Lee would finally become the starter. The blue-collar post never got a fair shake with Thomas, receiving inconsistent minutes despite posting solid numbers.

Politics were a factor. After all, the suits at MSG had to justify acquiring Randolph last summer, so Lee, a good soldier who never complained publicly, sat for long stretches of games. It didn’t matter that Randolph and Curry couldn’t work together, while Lee played well with either post.

The Thomas regime is over. No more favourites. Lee will get his chance and capitalize.

Will Lee develop with more playing time? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for another round of NBA News & Analysis. Errors, either grammatical or factual, are due to the time and the author’s need for another coffee. Photo courtesy of mrsleeveless.