I understand that Channing Frye is a local product and a fan favorite, being from White Plains and all, and the Knicks once again don't want to eat crow about another unsuccessful draft pick, but it's time for Isiah Thomas to realize that David Lee is a better player than Channing Frye, hands down, and the numbers more than prove it.
Compared side by side, look at the numbers. They are both the same age, 23; Frye is 6'11", Lee is 6'9". But Frye is one pound lighter than Lee, and it shows. Frye is a nice player, but he doesn't intimidate anyone inside, and he has a soft interior game.
Frye is averaging just under 26 minutes per game, 10 points, and five-and-a half boards.
Lee is averaging just under 31 minutes per contest, and is dropping in 11.2 points and grabbing 10.7 rebounds.
Lee is a nightmare for opponents in the paint, and his play lifts the team's energy level and spells havoc for the opposition. He is instant offense, as he comes in off of the bench time after time, and is usually in double digits in both points and boards after he's been in the game just 10 minutes.
Frye doesn't offer that. He doesn't fight for the ball in a crowd like Lee does, nor does he have that "refuse to be boxed out" mentality that Lee shows under the glass. Not only does David Lee do that (dive for balls), but when he does, he's often more successful than not.
Lee has missed four straight games due to an ankle injury and five out of six. His last game was against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 23, when he recorded 10 points and nine rebounds in 26 minutes. In his last game before that, against Orlando on Feb. 20, he scored 14 points and hauled in 16 boards in 36 minutes.
But for some reason, he still doesn't get the start.
I understand the importance of a sixth man. It is something that championship clubs rely on. It is often the final missing piece of a puzzle for a team that has everything else. So, I understand the affect that Lee has coming off of the bench.
But, at the same time, unless I missed something, the Knicks are not at the point where they are missing just one piece of the puzzle. This is a team that struggles to win each and every night, regardless how good or pathetic the opponent is. They need Lee's energy from the opening tip-off, not coming off of the bench when they need a boost midway through, or when a starter gets into foul trouble.
Knicks fans have been complaining during recent years that the only position that the club has taken seriously when it comes to acquisitions, is at guard. With Starbury, Franchise, Crawford, and Robinson, New York has reached its guard quota, and is in good shape.
The problem has been in the paint.The Knicks finally have some light at the end of their power forward tunnel, and that light is David Lee, who shot 14-for-14 and won the game's Most Valuable Player award in the Rookie-Sophomore game at the NBA All-Star Weekend last month. If Isiah doesn't see that, then he just might get hit by that oncoming subway car.
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