David Lee is now with the Celtics after winning his first NBA title with Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors last season. The Warriors opened up more financial room by trading Lee and the Celtics gained a veteran rotation piece. Lee’s role was diminished in Golden State because they played with one big man on the floor. In the Finals, Lee was part of a rotation shuffle between Marresse Speights, Andrew Bogut, and Festus Ezeli
The Celtics happen to have something the Warriors also have — a quickly emerging young coach. Lee can even see similarities between Steve Kerr and Brad Stevens after practicing with the Celtics.
From Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe:
David Lee says a Brad Stevens practice very similar to Steve Kerr and is impressed by detail
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) September 26, 2015
Popular stories of Kerr’s practices with the Warriors last season included playing music and shooting full court shots to warm up. Lee didn’t say anything to that effect for Stevens, but rather how he’s impressed by the “detail”. Stevens did an impressive job last season with the group he had. His system helped the Celtics rank as one of the top five assisting teams in the league, and they made a postseason appearance without having any All-Stars on the roster.
I can see Stevens loving Lee on the floor because of his mobility and passing ability. He adds to the Celtics’ interesting depth.
