Courtney Lee played a key role in the Charlotte Hornets’ success last season, helping them make the Playoffs and push a veteran Heat team to a seven-game series.
The Hornets acquired him in a trade with Memphis halfway through the season, with head coach Steve Clifford immediately slotting him into the team’s starting two-guard spot. Lee’s reliable perimeter stroke and underrated defensive skills were valued extensively by the Jordan-owned Hornets, especially in the postseason.
After averaging 30.2 minutes per game in the regular season, Lee would be relied upon heavily in the Playoffs, averaging 36.7 minutes in seven contests. Despite giving his all to the Hornets, including a game-winning jumpshot in Game 5, Charlotte ultimately allowed him to walk two months later in free agency.
“I was in contact with a lot of them, but I wasn’t their No. 1 priority,’’ Courtney Lee said (via Mark Berman of the New York Post). “(Nicolas) Batum was. They were meeting with him and other opportunities knocked on my door for me and my family.’’
Nicolas Batum, like Lee, also played a key role for the Hornets last season, averaging 14.9 points per contest. Charlotte’s primary focus in free agency was on Batum, a 28-year-old leader who gives you some of everything on the court.
Batum would receive a maximum five-year, $120 million contract to return to the Hornets, but for Courtney Lee, matters with the organization weren’t so positive. He was courted by several Knicks’ players, Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose included.
The Knicks came calling first, showing their dire need for a player like Lee. They cemented their hopes with one final push early in free agency, finally signing the 31-year-old to a four-year deal worth $48 million.
Courtney Lee returned to Charlotte for the first time since leaving the team last night, but the Hornets ultimately came away with a 107-102 victory.
