DAVID LEE!

it's been interesting times lately in terms of players i like actually doing what i want. i've liked d-wade since his rookie season because of his apparent no-nonsense hard-working attitude. usually when i like a player (or a team, i.e.—the knicks), they end up sucking. so in last year's playoffs, imagine my delight when Wade leads his team to a finals victory.

i know there are many that disagree, but i'm happy that Brett Favre is returning to the Pack. yes, he's past his prime, but i've never been one for the storybook ending crap. i'm never one to want to leave anything left on the table. i'd rather know for sure i've played past my prime, than to leave wondering "what if." Favre is still very capable of being an integral part of a winning championship team (John Elway comes to mind, since they beat the Pack back in '98 when he was 38 years of age). i think if you are past your prime and go out on top as a champion, then it's much more of a no-brainer than quitting while you still have substantial game left and you're still one of the top players in your position in the league.

and that brings me to the catalyst for this post. David Lee. since last season i've grown to become a big fan of Lee. he always gives 100% and often surprises you with his level of play. perhaps it's because he gets zero hype as the Knicks' lone white dude (or for just being a white dude in the NBA). but he definitely has great talent and skills. he's been getting much credit this season around the league, and reached a new high this weekend during the All-Star Rookie-Sophomore game when Lee doesn't miss from floor; sophomores drill rookies (ESPN). Lee went a perfect 14-14 to lead the sophs with 30 points. Although most were dunks or lay-ins, he didn't always go for the safest shots, notably with a windmill jam and a jumping-turnaround-lay-in off a pass that he caught mid-air.

i'm hoping that Lee remains a knick for the rest of his playing days. it's refreshing to have a knick who plays 100%, doesn't have an overbearing ego, and delivers consistently. and as many are talking about, with Lee and (Eddie) Curry both being very young still, the knicks have a positive outlook for the near and far future. one can hope...