David Lee (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The San Antonio Spurs could sign David Lee, with the teaming reloading their frontcourt after offseason losses and Tim Duncan's retirement from the game.
The Spurs' frontcourt have suddenly became thinner in the offseason after losing big men in trade deals and free agency capped by Duncan's retirement from the sport. While the Spurs were able to add Pau Gasol to fill the void left by Duncan, the team still has a glaring need to add backup big men capable of contributing off the bench.
According to Sports Illustrated's Fansided writer Isaac Harris, the Spurs could be the "most obvious landing spot" for David Lee, one of the remaining quality big men available in the market.
"Lee would step directly into the David West role last season and log major minutes off the bench," Harris wrote.
"If you are David Lee, what better situation to go to than the San Antonio Spurs in a quality role while playing under Gregg Popovich?"
Lee helped the Golden State Warriors win an NBA title in 2015 and was crucial in their victory in the Finals series against the Cavaliers. The 33-year-old center, who accepted a bench role with the Warriors, was then traded last year to the Boston Celtics before being joining the Dallas Mavericks, where he remained as a second unit backup.
Despite regressing into a bench player, Lee could still be a valuable addition to a contending team like the Spurs. Last season, he played quality minutes for the Mavs, averaging 8.5 points and 7.0 rebounds a game. Playing for the Spurs won't probably give Lee a chance to once again become the double-double machine that he was, but his playmaking skills and versatility inside the paint would surely be in need in San Antonio.
While Lee has yet to sign a team, one-time NBA champ did admit he is open for a return to the Warriors, where he played for five consecutive seasons. However, after signing David West and Zaza Pachulia, there is little room for Lee to stage a reunion in the Bay Area.
It remains to be seen whether the Spurs have a genuine interest in adding Lee to their lineup, but considering the big men they lost this summer, Lee should be a viable option for San Antonio.
