National Basketball Association

New York Knicks: Courtney Lee Is Obscenely Efficient

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

New York Knicks shooting guard Courtney Lee produces with an unbelievable level of efficiency. Check out this crazy statistic.

The New York Knicks made a number of high-profile moves during the summer of 2016. The most commonly discussed acquisitions were head coach Jeff Hornacek, sixth man Brandon Jennings, center Joakim Noah, and point guard Derrick Rose.

The most easily overlooked addition may end up being the glue to the starting lineup: shooting guard Courtney Lee.

Lee, who will turn 31 on October 3, signed a four-year deal worth just over $48 million. He’s enjoyed a solid and consistent eight-year career during which he’s played in 50 postseason games.

According to Tommy Beer of Basketball Insiders, Lee is one of two players who has shot at least 37 percent from 3-point range in each of the past six seasons.

Yes. Courtney Lee & Korver are only players to shoot 37% or better from 3-point territory each of the last 6 seasons https://t.co/Vbvrv23IC7

— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) September 7, 2016

Jeff Hornacek is going to have fun with Lee.

Lee has made at least 80 3-point field goals in three of the past six seasons. That includes the 90 he converted on 40.2 percent shooting from 3-point range with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2014-15 and the 82 he made on 37.8 percent shooting from distance in 2015-16.

With a career average of 1.0 3-point field goal made per game, Lee is good for a nightly triple—a shot that can swing momentum.

Coupled with his consistently reliable perimeter defense, Lee will play an invaluable role for the Knicks in 2016-17 and beyond. He’s a true 3-and-D player who can kill the opposition from midrange.

Lee made 98 midrange jump shots on 43.8 percent shooting during the 2015-16 season and 104 on 44.4 percent shooting in 2014-15.

The hidden truth about Lee is that he’s more than capable of taking his man off the bounce. He’s athletic enough to finish above the rim, skilled enough to pull up off the bounce, and does an excellent job of moving off the ball.

Lee also shot 40.3 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-point field goals in 2015-16.

Perhaps it’s time to get more excited about Lee’s arrival.