Actually, Lee is simply asking for way more than he is worth, to the NYK or any other team. Thus, no offer sheets. Observing that he has a limited game (i.e., rebounding and put backs) is not dumping on Lee. It's just being honest about a well-liked guy. Every NYK fan appreciates Lee's hustle and attitude. In those regards, he is exactly the type of player NYers love. But while he may be partially in the Oakley mould, he just hasn't demonstrated the defensive toughness to be a keeper at his asking price. If Lee and his agent had a more realistic idea of his market value, he would be signed somewhere already.

What's more annoying is your caustic refusal to accept DW's plan: Make a run at the premier FAs in the greatest FA class ever. He would be naive to assume that LeBron or Wade will sign with the Knicks because it's NYC. But he would be a complete moron to not give it a shot. The NYK have the start of a sweet nucleus of talented players (Gallo, Chandler) and some possible talent in the project pool (Hill, Douglas). We also have a bunch of expirings and we may be able to move Nate + one of our corpse contracts this summer or during the season.

So while you may be ready to throw out the bath with the water, I think a lot of us are on board with Donnie's plan and hoping his patience proves to be a virtue. Seems like you're stuck in the IT way of thinking: Panic and throw money at Lee. Now that's already been shown to be a BAD move. Lee may yet land his NYK contract (i.e., $7-8mil per) but he will have to get real before that happens.

Subzero0,

I understand the nature of this post, others have felt the same way. Im not here to predict, I am HOPEFUL of a SUPERSTAR CALIBER.. but remain certain that at the very least we gain a MARQUEE TALENT in 2010. Maybe not Lebron, Wade or Bosh... but there are several other players that WILL improve our team in that free agent class. Moreover, they can be relied upon as "go to guy's in the clutch".

I wouldn't doubt Donnie Walsh. I think he is shrewd, but is ultimately improving this team. As far as making smart trades for future picks, it'd be nice... the problem is our players don't have major value. Unless we are talking about trading Gallinari or Chandler. Hill is an unknown, but could be packaged. Are you willing to pull the trigger? If not, Who else do we deal? In fact, who's the taker-- trade partner? There are so many variables here.

As for D-Lee... Resigning him at the money he is asking for should absolutely be a NO NO in my mind. We've had a history of overpaying for marginal talent. Why outbid ourselves here? (Remember Allan Houston-- we paid 100 million, and no one else was even in that ballpark for an offer) Don't get me wrong I LIKE DAVID LEE, I think he brings certain intangibles to the team that we obviously do not have enough of... ie; hardworking system guys. But when I think of a 10-12 million dollar players, I'm thinking of HIGH IMPACT POSITION PLAYERS. I'd hope that I can rely on said player to be a "go to guy in clutch situations."

Can we honestly say that David Lee fits that mold? It is a sad day, but its even more depressing when you consider the state of the Knicks for the past decade. I'm tired of mediocrity, David Lee hasn't truly been the biggest factor in changing the culture around here-- Its been Donnie Walsh. If Donnie is adamant about waiting for the 2010 free agent class, I will cosign it. Thus far he has been the one constant GM in changing the direction of this flawed team!

[Edited by - JayNYC on 07-24-2009 11:29 AM]

I don't think there's much actual hatred of Lee. Just a recognition that he may or not figure into the Knicks future, depending on costs, other available options, and keeping in mind the desire for future cap flexibility.

In reading the messages on this board, I don't really see much outright hatred. I see a lot of the usual humorous and exaggerated commentary, and a general consensus that David Lee may not be worth what he and his agent are asking.

It's a different era for the Knicks. They're not looking to over-pay players just because they are good guys.

No Lee just dared to rock the boat on 2010 plans. Walsh should have made an offer already to Lee and Nate. And no I don't agree that Lee should be paid the same amount as Jared Jefferies or Jerome "Big Snacks" James.

What's the option allow Lee and Robinson walk the Knick barely win 25 games and then Free Agents are suppose to come here to win a Championship. That makes a ton of sense considering that the Knicks will have absolutely nothing to offer in possible sign and trade deals.

Posted by bitty41:

No Lee just dared to rock the boat on 2010 plans. Walsh should have made an offer already to Lee and Nate. And no I don't agree that Lee should be paid the same amount as Jared Jefferies or Jerome "Big Snacks" James.

What's the option allow Lee and Robinson walk the Knick barely win 25 games and then Free Agents are suppose to come here to win a Championship. That makes a ton of sense considering that the Knicks will have absolutely nothing to offer in possible sign and trade deals.

As opposed to winning just 32 with them? Then locked up to gigantic long term deals close to twice as much as the players are actually worth?

Donnie is playing this right. We also have all summer here there is no reason to rush into anything.

Also, something overlooked, is that Lee and Nate are still not the best FAs available at the moment. Until they move up the list, which requires the other players in play to be given a home, they won't be sought after.

David Lee and Nate Robinson are bench players on any contending team. They want money that either makes them starters on a team - or - prevents that team from having the necessary money to sign legit starting players down the road.

We're not going that route.

hating on a player for wanting to sign the biggest contract he can sign is absolute stupidity... all of us would wanna do the same in this situation... don't hate the playa, hate the game... it's business not personal.

i'm not a "Lee supporter" nor am i a "Lee hatter", i'm a Knicks fan... i want the Knicks to do what's best for the Knicks... i like Lee but if he's asking for too much we simply cannot afford to lock him up to that type of a contract & hamper our longterm plans, i'm sorry... that doesn't make me angry at D Lee & his agent for looking to make the most money they can out of free agency tho... some of u guys take this stuff way too personally on both accounts... if Lee wants more money u hate him for it... if the Knicks don't wanna pay Lee you hate the organization for not giving up to his demands... it's ridiculous.

the one person i will criticize out of this entire situation is Donnie Walsh if he ends up losing Lee for nothing in return, cuz that would have been an easily avoidable situation IMO.

I think about Lee as about the soldier of the army which was on defense for 4 years since he join the ranks.
The army was retreating, lost all battles, and was leaded by stupid and arrogant generals. He sow soldiers betraying it and flat out deserters.
Lee was fighting all the time without looking back and doing what he can to help the team look better.
Now when army regrouped and starting to gain ground... he became expandable and somehow in the way of getting the heroes who will help us to concur the world.
Has he some rights to became frustrated about it? Or he should just say - thanks, I did all I can and the best I can do is to go home and free space for the big future?
What would you feel?