Thanks to the deal that brought Derrick Rose to the Big Apple, the Knicks had two huge needs to address heading into free agency: center and shooting guard. The first hole seems like it will be filled by one of Rose’s old Chicago teammates, Joakim Noah. Now, it appears that the team managed to solve that second problem, as it signed veteran swingman Courtney Lee to a four-year deal worth $50 million.
Courtney Lee has agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal with the Knicks.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 2, 2016
Lee is a well-traveled player, as he has made pit stops in Orlando, New Jersey, Houston, Boston, Memphis, and Charlotte during his NBA career. He gives the Knicks the three-and-D player they so desperately needed, as his perimeter defense has been consistently solid and he’s always been a really good three-point shooter – Lee has hit shots from behind the arc at a 38.4 percent clip during his eight-year career in the NBA.
The Knicks still need to do a lot of work to add depth to their roster, but a starting five of Rose, Lee, Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, and Noah – if they all stay healthy – could be good enough to help New York make the playoffs for the first time since 2012-13. Of course, there’s the possibility that Dwyane Wade signs and takes the role from him, but for now, Lee is a really good choice to start at shooting guard for this Knicks team.
