LEE FREE: Lone Star Shut Out Of Mid Season Party In Lone Star State

Every February, there is spirited debate once the NBA All-Star rosters have been announced.  This year would be different. Fans from all across the country will always contend with the select few that we  affectionately call "snubs".  So Thursday evening when we were revealed the names, much too many NBA fans delight, a few perineal snubs got the nod, most noticeably, Joe Johnson and Zach Randolph.  Two players whom have certainly played at an All-Star level for quite soem time now. 

However, this years selections would not be different in its entirety.  For what can be seen as an unambiguous "snub" was New York Kinicks foward David Lee.  Thinking back to a year ago, when David was faced with the same fate, the arguement of his snub-hood, did not hold nearly as much clout as it does this year.  Lee finished last year with 16.0 points and a robust 11.7 rebounds while leading the entire league in double-doubles (the same league that Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan play in).  This gave him some substantial momentum coming into the 2009-2010 season.  It was his for the taking.  What did he do?  All he did was raise his game.  Over the course of the first half of the season, Lee has shown everyone he is not just a lunchpail rebounder.  This year we are seeing a certian sophistication to Lee's game.  His face up game is dramtically improved, he is starting to feature a reliable 12-15 footer, which in time, if it becomes automatic should launch him to superstardom.  When defenders develop a concrete respect for his jumper, it will open the door for him on dribble drives in which Lee is very adept at finishing at the rim with either hand.  We've also seen him blossom as a passer, trusting his teamates, being a leader and making players around him better.  Through Saturday, Lee is averaging 19.7 points and 11.5 rebounds, to go along with a career high 3.4 assists.  Sound like an all-star to you?

So he did not make it, and maybe this is belaboring the point.  Ironically what makes it worse, is how much class Lee has handled this year's (and last year's, for that matter) All-Star "snub".  His basic message after the news was that he will "use it as motivation to attempt to make it next year".  You almost wanted him to get upset and give us a soundbyte.  Furthermore, do not think the players didn't notice.  When Shaquille O'Neal, when asked about his (alleged) "snub" Shaq said "I'm more dissapointed for a guy like David Lee" and tagged him in Diesel fasion, "the Human Double-Double".  I'd be remiss if i failed to mention O'Neal has played in a few of these games, so he might know what he's talking about. 

It probably only makes it sting a little bit more to Knick fans.  They could use Lee to be touted as an All-Star, with the summer of 2010 coming.  My sources tell me there is supposed to a be free agent class coming up, in case you had not already heard.  The title brings a sense of allure to the franchise.  A sense of "that guy made the All-star Team !?!?! Imagine how good he'd be if he playe with ME!!?!?!?  I just hope the Knicks brass don't gaze into the stars too long this summer, they may let the one they have slip right out of their hands. Class act.  Coachable.  Prepared.  Hard Worker.  19.7-11.5-3.4  Sound like an all-star to you?