David Lee: New York Knicks' Only Player of Value

Their head coach has given up, their fans have given up, and the majority of the players have given up. Yet when only seven players showed up to practice last week, it was a given that David Lee was one of them.

Lee is a 6'9" power forward weighing 240 pounds. It isn't his stature that has earned him his reputation, but his attitude.

Lee was the last pick in the first round of 2005. He helped build up a Florida Gators team that went on to win two consecutive NCAA titles.

"I set the table, but I never got to eat dinner," he said in an interview.  It doesn't appear likely that he will "eat dinner" anytime soon either.

He is the hardest working player on the New York Knicks. He can always be seen during the pre-game shoot around, while his teammates still have yet to arrive.

Lee may not be the most talented player on the lowly Knicks, but his hustle and drive to win is evident on the court. He posts double-doubles almost nightly and was among the rebounding and field goal percentage leaders last season.

There have been times when he has jumped on the floor to grab a loose ball or muscled his way out of a tie-up. Last year, when the brawl between the Nuggets and Knicks broke out, Lee was on the floor.

As opposed to getting riled up and involved, Lee restrained his teammates saving himself from suspension. This is the reason he is a fan favorite.

In high school, Lee developed his work ethic. He grew up in Saint Louis where he was a guard for his school's varsity team. In his sophomore year, he had a growth spurt and became a forward.

During his tenure as a student at the prep school, he broke his left hand. Being a lefty he had to adjust and began to work on his right.   

Lee is viewed as a responsible and hard working player in the media. He can be seen teaching young kids to play the game or helping to make the dreams of sick children come true.

When asked if money was a factor of his decision to stay or leave New York, he replied, "I’m not a guy that’s real flamboyant in my lifestyle, so money probably doesn’t mean as much to me as it does to other guys, but everybody wants to have that security.”

He is down to earth and epitomizes the image that David Stern wants NBA players to portray.

Lee's jersey was the hottest among Knicks fans this past year and he is currently in a Vitamin Water ad along with some other prestigious New York athletes.

Many Knicks fans argue that Lee deserves better than what this organization can offer him, but it seems clear that the fans deserve Lee. With a roster that doesn't work, a coach and GM, well that goes unsaid, and an extremely poor record, Lee appears to be the only hope.

As the season comes to a close, Lee has an extension option. It would be ridiculous for the Knicks not to resign him, but the question is will D-Lee remain a Knick?

Knicks fans cross your fingers! All a fan can do is hope that James Dolan fires Isaiah and hires someone with enough sense to keep David Lee.