Golden State Warriors: David Lee's Elbow Infection Slowing Down a Solid Season

The Golden State Warriors' big offseason pickup David Lee was having a solid start to his 2010-11 season when his elbow got injured in the most unusual manner. 

During Nov. 10's matchup against his former team, the New York Knicks, Lee went up for a rebound. He grabbed his 10th board for a double-double but accidentally hit Knicks forward Wilson Chandler in the mouth.

Wilson's teeth bit into Lee's left elbow, breaking the skin while Chandler lost a tooth in the process. 

The injury was initially cleaned and bandaged, but Lee's elbow was swelling significantly like a grapefruit before the Warriors' game with the Chicago Bulls. He sat that out and was reevaluated by doctors.

Lee had surgery on Nov. 12 to drain the infection, but was rushed to a second surgery on Monday. The doctors say the bacterial infection is only on his skin and tissue, but has not reached his muscles or bone.

Lee will be treated with antibiotics but will be sidelined for two-to-three weeks. The injury is not career threatening.

That's good news for Lee that he can play when the infection is cured, but the Warriors will miss their starting power forward.

Lee was having a solid first eight games with Golden State, providing a strong post presence. He scored 14.3 points, grabbed 11.3 rebounds and had 2.8 assists a game. He had a player efficiency of +19.25, which is second only to Monta Ellis's +23.64.

The Warriors got off to a 6-2 start with Lee in the lineup and is an upgrade over Anthony Randolph and Ronny Turiaf. He provided good defense and set solid pick and rolls for Ellis and Stephen Curry, which helped Ellis become the second-league leading scorer with 26.5 points a night.

But Golden State is 1-2 and might have a tough time winning consistently when Lee is healing.

When Lee comes back, hopefully the infection is gone and he could resume his effectiveness and bring the Warriors more wins.