Buyer's Guide: David Lee
For a team on a budget, Lee could be a better option than big men with bigger names
ESPN Insider is analyzing NBA free agents not named LeBron James (we covered him pretty extensively a few weeks ago, and there's even more coming every day on the LeBron Tracker) to determine what they're really worth to the teams chasing them this summer. To follow the entire series, click here. We continue Tuesday with David Lee.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
Even though it comes a year later than he intended, David Lee finally will get his big payday this summer. The 27-year-old failed to land a multiyear contract as a restricted free agent last offseason, but after a season in which he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds, that might have been a blessing in disguise.
To see what David Lee is really worth as a free agent -- including assessments from NBA executives, next-level stats and scouting reports of how he'd fit on various teams -- plus a recommendation for where he should land this summer, you must be an ESPN Insider.
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- ESPN.com NBA contributor since 2010
- Started at ESPN in 2008
- 2008 graduate of Wake Forest University
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Insider's NBA free agent Buyer's Guides
ESPN Insider is analyzing NBA free agents not named LeBron James (we've already covered him pretty extensively, and there's even more coming every day on the LeBron Tracker) to determine their true market value and best/worst landing spots.
CHRIS BOSH | FULL REPORT ![]()
Bosh can succeed so long as he goes somewhere with the right type of talent.
CARLOS BOOZER | FULL REPORT ![]()
Not only does Boozer punish opponents, he also tends to get himself hurt -- a lot.
AMARE STOUDEMIRE | FULL REPORT ![]()
The book may finally be out on Stoudemire: He's as electric as he is one-dimensional.
DIRK NOWITZKI | FULL REPORT ![]()
Nowitzki will almost certainly play in Dallas next season. But he'll come at a steep price.
DAVID LEE | FULL REPORT ![]()
Lee will get one lucky team Stoudemire-like production for a fraction of the cost.
DWYANE WADE | FULL REPORT ![]()
You can't question his production, but you have to worry about his body breaking down.
JOE JOHNSON | FULL REPORT ![]()
He can score on the wing, but at age 28, can a team really justify giving him a max contract?
RUDY GAY | FULL REPORT ![]()
The 23-year-old restricted free agent might be the biggest enigma on the market.
RAY ALLEN | FULL REPORT ![]()
While he is in the twilight of his career, there is always a market for a pure shooter.
BARGAIN BIN | FULL REPORT ![]()
There are many other ways for teams to improve beyond the max free agents.
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