Sports Radio Interviews

Mark Bartelstein: Lee Has Probably Been The Most Underpaid For 4 Years

When Darko Milicic was acquired on draft day by the Knicks, many people wondered whether they were pushing restricted free agent, David Lee, out the door.  I looked at it as more of an insurance policy just in case Lee got a huge contract the Knicks were unwilling to match (which they have the right to as a restricted free agent).  The economy will definitely hurt a highly productive player like David because there were definitely teams willing to throw some major $$$ his way.  He seems to be one of those guys people overpay for; GM’s confuse his consistency with high-level talent.  As seen with Carlos Boozer, who took his guaranteed money in Utah instead of offering himself to the highest bidder, this is not a great year to be a free agent.  Not to mention the fact New York and many other squads are looking to save their coin for the major free agency crop a summer from now.  That being said, you wanna rock, you sign Lee.  Lee’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, joined ESPN 1050 in New Yorkto discuss if his client is a Mike D’Antoni type of player, if Lee would give the Knicks a hometown discount, and if not being a dependable offensive option lessens the money he will make.

What do you say to people that he’s not a go-to-guy at the end of games?

“If David was a go-to-guy in the post at the very end of games, we’d be talking about a max contract (laughs).  You know, so, if he was that and he also lead the league in double-doubles, and he averaged 16 and 13, and he was athletic and could pass the basketball, we’re talking about an absolute max contract.  So, we’re not putting David in that category.  He’s getting better offensively – one of the things he’s terrific at is being able to use both hands around the basket, and so I think he’s improving in that area, and I think he’ll continuously grow in that area in the next three to four years.  That, to me, is the one of the intriguing things about David, if you look at his progression, the arrow is clearly pointing up, he’s gonna continue to improve as a player because he works so hard at it.”

Would Lee be willing to give New York a hometown discount?

“This is a business decision for David, and he’s gotta do what’s right for him and his family.  We’re hoping like heck it works out in New York, but you know, heck, the Knicks have had a pretty big hometown discount for the last four years.  He’s probably been the most underpaid player in the league the last four years by drafting him at 30 in the draft, and had him for basically a minimum salary for four years.  You get a guy who leads the league in double double and pay him like you paid him last year, they had a great hometown discount.”

What do you say to people who say he’s not a Mike D’Antoni guy?

“From my conversations with Mike, it’s been nothing but positives.  One thing about Mike’s system is that he likes having guys who can make shots and David has continued to work so hard on that.  I think you saw a huge progression last year, his ability to step out and make shots.  He’s getting up 500 to 1000 shots every day this summer, so I think you’ll see another step next year.  So, I don’t think that’s an issue at all, and there’s just not many guys that you can put out there and you know they’re gonna play every night, and you know they’re gonna get you a double double every night.  Those guys are hard to find.”

Listen to Mark Bartelstein on ESPN Radio 1050 in New York with Brandon Tierney (starts at (24:20)

Tags: Basketball, David Lee, Donnie Walsh, Mark Bartelstein, Mike D'Antoni, NBA, New York Knicks