Knicks' Lee replaces Iverson in All-Star Game
David Lee was selected to replace Allen Iverson in Sunday's All-Star Game, making him the first Knick to play in the game since 2001. (Feb. 3, 2010) Credit: Craig Ruttle
As rumors swirl that Donnie Walsh is looking to acquire seven-time All-Star Tracy McGrady, the Knicks learned Thursday that they now have a star of their own.
NBA commissioner David Stern selected David Lee to replace Allen Iverson on the Eastern Conference team for Sunday's All-Star Game in Dallas. Lee will be the Knicks' first All-Star since 2001 and the first Knicks draft pick to make the team since Mark Jackson in 1989.
"When I hear we haven't had an All-Star in nine years, I think it's good we have an All-Star," team president Walsh said last night. "David is certainly deserving of it and for the franchise it's a good thing."
It's a good thing because, despite what likely will be a ninth straight losing season, the Knicks at least can go into the 2010 free-agency shopping spree boasting a roster that includes an All-Star. Then again, Lee, who signed a one-year, $7-million contract in September, will be an unrestricted free agent.
Still, when trying to convince LeBron James to come to New York, they can say they have the same number of All-Stars (one) as James' current team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Iverson, who was voted a starter by the fans despite appearing in only 25 games this season, has missed the last five games to be with his ailing daughter. The league also announced another replacement Thursday; Mavericks guard Jason Kidd will replace Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who has missed three games with a sore left ankle.
Lee was considered a strong candidate to be among the list of All-Star reserves, which are voted by the coaches and were announced Jan. 28. When he didn't make the team, Shaquille O'Neal made an unsolicited show of support for Lee, who led the NBA with 65 double-doubles last season and ranks sixth with 30 in 51 games this season.
"I really feel bad for 'The Human Double-Double,' " O'Neal said Jan. 29. "If anybody should have been given a spot, it was him."
Lee is averaging 20 points and 11 rebounds and is one of three NBA players - along with Chris Bosh and Zach Randolph - who are averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.
But statistics aside, many people around the NBA believed that with a 19-32 record, the Knicks - who are owned by Cablevision, which also owns Newsday - hardly deserve to have an All-Star. In any case, it's been a long time coming for the Knicks, who haven't sent a representative to the All-Star Game since Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell went in 2001.
The Knicks now will have a strong presence throughout All-Star Weekend. Danilo Gallinari plays Friday night in the Rookie Challenge and will compete on All-Star Saturday in the Three-Point Shootout. Nate Robinson also is there to defend his Slam Dunk title Saturday night.
Walsh, however, decided not to go to Dallas because he wanted to remain in New York and work on potential roster moves before Thursday's trade deadline.
It is widely known that McGrady is among Walsh's options and that McGrady lists New York high on his wish list. Walsh also is believed to have a strong interest in Bucks point guard Luke Ridnour, who has an expiring contract.
