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New York Knicks: Happy 31st Birthday, Courtney Lee

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

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New York Knicks shooting guard Courtney Lee is celebrating his 31st birthday on Monday, October 31. Wish him a Happy Birthday in the comments section!

The New York Knicks have revamped, reloaded, and retooled in preparation for the 2016-17 NBA regular season. Phil Jackson has surrounded Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis with a number of recognizable names, including a former MVP and a former Defensive Player of the Year.

Easily the most overlooked player whom Jackson signed is new starting shooting guard Courtney Lee.

Lee is a 3-and-D shooting guard who has carved out an eight-year career on the strength of his consistency. He’s a versatile perimeter defender, an efficient 3-point shooter, and a capable penetrator who can finish at the rim.

With Lee poised to help bring Knicks fans a winner, it’s time to send a Happy Birthday wish his way on Monday, October 3.

Here’s hoping this isn’t the only time Knicks fans will be celebrating in 2016-17.

Lee has played in 600 regular season games, starting 360 and averaging 27.3 minutes played per game. He’s also played in 50 postseason games, starting 41 and helping the Orlando Magic reach the 2009 NBA Finals.

Lee started 16 of the 21 games that Orlando played during the 2009 NBA Playoffs.

This past season, Lee accumulated averages of 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 3-point field goal in 29.5 minutes per game. He did so on an efficient slash line of .454/.378/.839.

Despite playing for two teams in 2015-16, Lee managed to maintain his efficiency and defend at a high level.

Lee’s numbers may not jump off the page, but he’s a valuable player to have in the rotation. In 2015-16, the Charlotte Hornets scored 111.4 points per 100 possessions with Lee on the court and 104.1 without him—a difference of 7.3 points scored per 100 possessions.

The Memphis Grizzlies had a defensive rating of 102.1 with Lee on the court and 107.4 without him—a difference of 5.3 points allowed per 100 possessions.

Lee gets it done on both ends of the floor. On Monday, October 3, it’s Knicks fans’ job to send him some Happy Birthday wishes.

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