Former Knicks All-Star Tells Wild Draft Story

David Lee was chosen by the New York Knicks in the 2005 NBA Draft.

Jeremy Brener | Sep 19, 2024

December 29, 2009; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks center David Lee (42) during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Knicks won 104-87. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-Imagn Images / Leon Halip-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

It's been nearly 20 years since the New York Knicks selected David Lee to end the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft.

Lee, now 41 years old, spoke about his draft experience on a recent episode of the "Garden Party" podcast.

"I was home in St Louis, I had my little watch party with all my family," Lee said on the podcast. "I didn't have cell phone service and so it's the final couple picks, but I didn't realize I didn't have cell phone service. And so it goes up in the 30th pick and I'm like 'Oh my God, I haven't gotten a call saying I'm being drafted, so I'm not even gonna be in the first round' and then David Stern announced the 30th pick, New York Knicks select David Lee."

Lee's situation probably wouldn't happen in present day with news so easily accessible, but even with the drama surrounding the day, he was excited to join the Knicks.

Lee spent his first five NBA seasons in New York from 2005-10, where he went from seldom-played rookie to an All-Star. In his best season with the Knicks, Lee averaged 20.2 points and 11.7 rebounds despite New York not being able to make the playoffs.

In July 2010, Lee was traded to the Golden State Warriors for Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike, Ronny Turiaf and a future second-round pick. Lee ended up becoming teammates with a young Stephen Curry, who he helped reach the mountaintop as the 2015 NBA champions.

Lee's role shrunk on the championship team as a rising Draymond Green took over for him in the starting lineup. Lee left the Warriors after winning a championship before finishing out his career with the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs from 2015-17.

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Published Sep 19, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.