The Boston Celtics found a gem in versatile power forward and former All-Star David Lee who displayed in their preseason opener against Olimpia Milano why he is one of the elite big men in the National Basketball Association (NBA) today.
Lee, joined the Celtics via a trade deal from the Golden State Warriors where he won the championship last season but saw his playing minutes have a significant decline.
Now with the Celtics, the 32-year-old forward will again be proving his worth and will have the playing time to do so under young head coach Brad Stevens.
Lee did not waste any time showing why he was a valuable offseason pick up for Boston.
In their 124–91 blowout win over Olimpia Milano, Lee finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 21 minutes played.
Even though the numbers may not show it, the impact of the veteran big man was felt during the victory over the Euroleague club.
There were times in the game were Lee displayed his playmaking and passing skills which will give the C's offensive mobility in the power forward position this season, something they did not have last year with Brandon Bass.
The ability to do the ball handling duties plus Lee's size is an advantage for the Celtics this 2015–16 season.
In a report by Masslive.com, some of the great plays involving Lee in their win over Olimpia Milano were highlighted showing his scoring, passing, and ball handling capabilities.
One play showed Lee in a pick-and-roll with point guard Marcus Smart and instead of passing it to shooters, he decided to finish strong showing his scoring ability.
Another play displayed Lee's great court vision seeing an open teammate in the opposite corner for a three-point basket and the last was him pushing the ball in transition.
Lee may have been the missing piece the Celtics are looking for to further improve their team for a better playoff push.
Last season, Stevens surprised a lot of people when he guided the Celtics to the playoffs, even finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference but were swept in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
