It’s almost mid-December, but it’s preseason for Knicks veteran Courtney Lee. If that uncontested blown layup wasn’t evidence enough Monday against the Wizards , then here is Lee’s frank review of his first two games, in which he’s shot 1-for-7.
“It’s going to take a while to get reactivated to game-speed, game-like situations,’’ Lee said following Friday’s practice ahead of the Knicks-Nets matchup at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. “It’ll probably take couple of weeks to get back a rhythm and feel chemistry with the guys. I’ve been thrown out there with those guys and trying to play on the fly. Next couple of weeks, I’ll start to feel comfortable out there.”
Knicks coach David Fizdale has a tall order in balancing Lee getting acclimated while maintaining his vision of youth-driven player development.
The Knicks’ backcourt has seen Frank Ntilikina, Damyean Dotson and Trey Burke suffer through spurts of not playing. Lee is 33 with a massive contract that has two years and $25 million left on it. The Knicks would love to deal Lee to open more cap space in 2019.
That’s why Fizdale may have to play Lee enough to showcase him as a viable addition to a playoff contender. The Western Kentucky product posted career numbers last season (12 points per game, 40.1 percent shooting from 3-point range and 52 straight free throws made).
But because of a mysterious neck injury, Lee sat out all of the five preseason game and the first 24 of the regular season.
“This is really the first major injury I’ve had in my career where I missed extended time.’’ Lee said. “This is the first thing I’ve been kept out 2¹/₂ months. It will take a while to get chemistry.’’
And get his conditioning up.
“One hundred percent,’’ Lee said on whether he feels he’s in preseason form. “You can run all these conditioning tests, conditioning drills and pass all those but once you get in a game full speed on both ends of the court, it’s nothing like playing in games.
“I got to go through the hard part pushing myself of getting super winded, getting super sore. Once you breakthrough all that, I’ll be fine.’’
A co-captain last season, Lee has earned his money so far by trying to connect with the young players. He’s seen often with 19-year-old Kevin Knox in the team hotel on the road. The Knicks don’t have a captain this season but now that he’s back playing, Lee can become more of a leader.
Lee’s playing time could adversely effect Ntilikina, who did not see time the past three games as he has been playing off the ball. However, Fizdale seemed as if Ntilikna playing again was imminent, especially with French Heritage Night scheduled for Sunday against Charlotte.
Lee has given counsel to the 20-year-old 2017 lottery pick who probably will become the backup point guard until Trey Burke (knee sprain) is back.
“Frank’s a professional, he understands the game,’’ Lee said. “He does a good job controlling what he can control. He’s doing extra work and supporting teammates and doing a great job at it. I wouldn’t say it’s a setback. It’s part of the NBA process. Frank’s handling it very well and learning how to be supportive of teammates.”The Post reported before training camp that Lee is fine with the role of a mentor with the Knicks, but his preference would be a trade to a contender. Lee denied he wants out, and right now trades are the furthest thing from his mind because he has to get back into genuine game shape with minutes at a premium.
Against the Wizards, Fizdale spotted him 16 minutes and Lee scored seven points. Thursday in Boston, Lee played just 10 minutes and had just three points.
Lee has talked of the injury as a pinched nerve/whiplash but hasn’t had any pain so far.
“No issues with the neck as of yet — the only thing is the issue of conditioning and that rhythm and timing of everything,” Lee said. “I’m getting that back slowly.’’