David Lee cleared to play for Golden State Warriors
David Lee has been cleared to play for the Golden State Warriors after a re-evaluation following injury. The hard-working power-forward would fly to Minneapolis to join the team's workout
after their game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday 26 November.
Lee, who has been sidelined since 10 November after he accidentally hit former team-mate Wilson Chandler in the mouth, an incident that led to an elbow infection, could now suit up, but the
Warriors are still planning to take a cautious approach on the player, who will be on day-to-day status in their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday 27 November.
According to reports, Lee, who had his stitches removed on Tuesday 23 November, will likely suit up in their home game against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday 30 November or against the
Phoenix Suns on Thursday 2 December.
Warriors first-year head coach Keith Smart is also hoping the Lee will be able to join them as soon as possible because the team badly needs him to shore up their front-line. Smart also appreciated
Lee’s effort to motivate the team like he did on Tuesday 23 November when he brought cakes and gave well wishes before the team’s departure for their road trip.
“We can't wait to get him back because he just brings so much positivity to our team,” Smart said. “I've been around our team for a long time and the NBA. The guy was not going on a road
trip, but he brought two cakes for the team to take on the road. That's a true team-mate that our guys have in David Lee.”
Without Lee, who is averaging 14.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per game this season, the Warriors struggled to find both their offensive and defensive rhythm, dropping six of their last seven
games after starting the season with a 6-2 record. The Warriors were also out-rebounded by an average of 6.5 boards in their last four games and have allowed their opponents to score 114.8 per game.
Lee was acquired by the Warriors during the off-season in a trade that sent Ronny Turiaf, Kelenna Azubuike, and Anthony Randolph to the New York Knicks.
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