The New York Knicks have cleared Courtney Lee for practice, but still, without a date to return to game action.
A neck injury has taken Courtney Lee off the court for the New York Knicks. Suffered in training camp, it sat him during the preseason and through the first month of 2018-19. Few updates were provided since, as he was unable to go through contact practices.
Well, after nearly two months, Lee has progressed to full participation in practice, per Knicks PR. No timetable was given for his potential return to game action, as well as before or after Friday’s win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Lee joined the Knicks on a four-year contract in 2016, when Phil Jackson was the president of basketball operations. He started 143 games in the past two seasons, with averages of 11.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 45.5 percent shooting and 40.5 percent on three-pointers.
Even after two years of success, it’s unknown where Lee fits in.
The Knicks have found consistent minutes for their youth through 20 games, with Mitchell Robinson, Allonzo Trier and others as beneficiaries of this developmental year.
Of course, Lee, at 33-years-old, doesn’t fit the young players-first mantra, nor positionless basketball. He may take minutes away from others, though, so they Knicks can showcase their veteran guard for a trade.
Per Marc Berman of The New York Post, Lee wanted a deal to a contender, but would prefer to stay with the Knicks if not. A potential transaction gives him what he and the organization — although different desires — wants.
The Knicks could clear cap space for 2019’s star-studded free agents. Lee will make $12.75 million in 2019-20, so it’s not a given they can trade him now. But, if a team chooses to go all-in on the playoffs — like the Philadelphia 76ers — it opens the possibilities.
Whether New York can take expiring salaries back remains to be seen. The Sixers have Wilson Chandler, who will become a free agent next summer, but has been an effective role player. Markelle Fultz would also make for a creative trade package.
Lee must play first before establishing value, however. Once that happens, and he proves healthy, a trade becomes realistic.
It’s still an early step in Lee’s return to the court; once that happens, he can push this situation forward.