May 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) celebrates at the end of the game against the Denver Nuggets, winning game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets 92-88 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
It was shocking when the Golden State Warriors announced power forward David Lee would be active and expected to play in their game six match up against the Denver Nuggets after he suffered what was supposed to be a season-ending injury, but he did play extremely limited time and really was a non-factor in the team’s performance.
Lee is suffering from a torn hip flexor muscle he suffered to begin the playoffs.
With Golden State now advancing to the second-round of the NBA Playoffs, Lee has already come forward to say that he will not play a significant role in the series against the San Antonio Spurs.
Asked if he could play a big role against the Spurs, Lee said, “Significant part like playing 30 minutes? Zero (chance).”
While Lee’s appearance in the team’s layup line before the game was a shock to fans and media on hand, the fact that Lee knew he could fix any damage done in the offseason led to his decision to give it a go.
“I saw tonight as an elimination game for both teams,” Lee said. “We didn’t want to have to go back to Denver (for Game 7). I tried to do whatever I could. I didn’t know it would respond. There’s those nights when you feel awful and then you get on the court and you feel pretty good. Tonight, after I shot that jumper, I went to backpedal and my leg was nonexistent.”
For Lee, it is admirable that he wants to give his team an emotional lift, but it is an incredibly painful injury that he should take care of instead of risky further injury.
Warriors head coach Mark Jackson needs to put an end to Lee playing any time moving forward. Lee knows he doesn’t have a chance to play a significant role in the team’s offense, so Jackson should save the player from suffering long-term damage.
What do you think? Should Lee continue to play sparsely or should he just shut it down for the season. Sound off in the comments section and share your thoughts.
