http://www.insidehoops.com/david-lee-interview-010606.shtml

David Lee Interview

By InsideHoops.com | Jan. 6, 2006

New York Knicks rookie David Lee has shown flashes of brilliance on and off this season. Like many fellow Knicks, his playing time has been extremely inconsistent. Coach Larry Brown recently made Lee a starter, and against the Phoenix Suns he had the best game of his career. InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner met with Lee Friday for an exclusive interview.

InsideHoops.com: You recently got named starter, a few games ago.

David Lee: Three games ago, yeah.

InsideHoops.com: Last game, against the Suns, you went crazy and played amazing. How's it feel?

David Lee: It felt great. It's good to get an opportunity and get in there and have a chance to play. I really just try to bring energy and help our team get some victories and get back to winning ways.

InsideHoops.com: You shot 10-of-11 -- did you feel extra good that day, or get the exact type of shots you wanted, or what?

David Lee: I took high-percentage shots and my teammates got me some good looks. And really, that's not my focus, to go out there and score. My focus is to do other things - rebound, play defense, things like that. I just happened to get some good shots.

InsideHoops.com: Does it seem like you're going to continue to start? I realize that the Knicks lineup and rotation has been totally up in the air all season long, but what have you heard?

David Lee: I guess today I'm going to, but it's up to coach; I just have to keep producing and force him to keep me on the floor.

InsideHoops.com: And you're now being used as a small forward. Are you trying to transform into a "true" three?

David Lee: Yeah kind of learning a new position there; I played a bit of three and four last game. Wherever coach can get me on the floor is a welcome sight to me. I'll be happy to play wherever he wants.

InsideHoops.com: Is Larry Brown now specifically trying to turn you into a small forward? Or is it more about you being out there and doing what you usually would try to do?

David Lee: Well I think it'll be pretty similar to how I play at the four.

InsideHoops.com: Is it going to be where offensively you'll do the same things, and it's just the defensive change of having to guard threes?

David Lee: Offensively I've been shooting more from the outside and I've been more out on the wing than I was, rather than just being in the post. But it's pretty similar.