Courtney Lee

[sidney]

Apparently the Nets have put together some deals to Western Conference teams in order to shed themselves of Kris Humphries 3.2M expiring contract in case they need roomefor a 2nd max deal:

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_a..._working_on_deals_to_shed_humphries_contract/

They supposedly want to avoid giving away picks too which means they'd have to add an asset along with the contract to get anyone to bite. Sounds like Petrie might have at least gotten a call about this.

I wonder if we could get Courtney Lee along with Humphries for nothing but cap space?

He's a 24yo SG and looked pretty impressive with Orlando in the playoffs a couple of years ago as a rookie. Looks like when he's been healthy he shoots the 3 close to 40%.

I didn't watch the Nets at all this past year...would be interested in hearing other thoughts on this guy.

 

[hammystyle]

I'd seen this rumor before except included in it was the idea that the Nets would send $3M in cash, covering all but $200K of Humphries salary. If that's the case they are aren't sending away anything more than a 2nd round pick.

 

[Superman]

I'm not that high on Courtney Lee, not on our squad. Not a great defender, and is a bit turnover prone. His shot percentages really fell off this year, albeit for the worst team in the NBA. Attractive contract in comparison with Cisco, with a team option after this year, but with all of our options at swing, no need to give anything up for another G/F who isn't dynamic and will just blend in with the pack.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

hes a bit undersized at the 2 position. it was exploited in the lakers series.

 

[NoBonus]

Works financially...
http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=5596442

 

[Smills91]

I'm not that high on Courtney Lee, not on our squad. Not a great defender, and is a bit turnover prone. His shot percentages really fell off this year, albeit for the worst team in the NBA. Attractive contract in comparison with Cisco, with a team option after this year, but with all of our options at swing, no need to give anything up for another G/F who isn't dynamic and will just blend in with the pack.

Were we watching the same Courtney Lee? Lee is a very good defender, and he's a solid to very good perimeter shooter as well. Lee would be one of the more ideal fits to acquire for our roster going forward. He's 1) Cheap, 2) A good shooter, 3) a good defender and 4) He's young enough to grow with our franchise. I think adding Lee at the cost of taking on Humphries deal is an absolute no-brainer for the Kings.

In regards to the WC teams, I think that's specifically the Kings. The reason it hasn't happened yet, IMO, is that the Nets want to make sure they secure LeBron, and then they'll make this deal so that they could focus on one of Boozer or Lee to couple with him with their remaining cap space.

 

[Superman]

Were we watching the same Courtney Lee? Lee is a very good defender, and he's a solid to very good perimeter shooter as well. Lee would be one of the more ideal fits to acquire for our roster going forward. He's 1) Cheap, 2) A good shooter, 3) a good defender and 4) He's young enough to grow with our franchise. I think adding Lee at the cost of taking on Humphries deal is an absolute no-brainer for the Kings.

In regards to the WC teams, I think that's specifically the Kings. The reason it hasn't happened yet, IMO, is that the Nets want to make sure they secure LeBron, and then they'll make this deal so that they could focus on one of Boozer or Lee to couple with him with their remaining cap space.

I've never seen him play defense. Maybe I haven't watched as closely as you have.

He is a good shooter, that's his MO, but he didn't shoot well last year. If we're looking for a proven scorer at SG, I think we could do better than Courtney Lee.

 

[hammystyle]

I've never seen him play defense. Maybe I haven't watched as closely as you have.

He is a good shooter, that's his MO, but he didn't shoot well last year. If we're looking for a proven scorer at SG, I think we could do better than Courtney Lee.

I can't say what happened in NJ last year, but the word was that he was Orlando's best perimeter defender the year before as a rookie. A potential stopper type.

If I had to guess, he's a good player to have on a good team where he's not asked to do much except hit open jumpers and defend and not very good when he's asked to do any more than that.

 

[beb0p]

The problem with Courtney Lee is that you have to decide who is the real Courtney Lee. Is it the guy who had a pretty solid reputation in Orlando or the guy who sucked like you wouldn't believe in NJ?

My opinion is that he is somewhere in between. Probably was overrated in Orlando because he just had it easy there. Probably is not as bad as the guy who showed up in NJ.

I've seen Lee played live twice. Seen him on TV several more times including his college games. At no point did I say to myself, "Wow, we gotta get this guy!" To me, Lee is a solid backup/spot starter type of player. Those guys are a dime a dozen (ok maybe a million bucks each), but I wouldn't absorb Humphries' contract just for a solid backup.

 

[Smills91]

The problem with Courtney Lee is that you have to decide who is the real Courtney Lee. Is it the guy who had a pretty solid reputation in Orlando or the guy who sucked like you wouldn't believe in NJ?

My opinion is that he is somewhere in between. Probably was overrated in Orlando because he just had it easy there. Probably is not as bad as the guy who showed up in NJ.

I've seen Lee played live twice. Seen him on TV several more times including his college games. At no point did I say to myself, "Wow, we gotta get this guy!" To me, Lee is a solid backup/spot starter type of player. Those guys are a dime a dozen (ok maybe a million bucks each), but I wouldn't absorb Humphries' contract just for a solid backup.

Where's the risk here? Take a flier on him. It's at the expense of asorbing Kris Humphries(who you could probably get cash to pay for a lot of it) using just cap space to acquire. There's ZERO risk, Lee's on a rookie deal. More than anything we just need Guard depth and Lee is a FABULOUS fit. You grab Lee and run if this deal is offered. That part is a no briner. Buy Humphries out if you will to save a little cash. Lee is he reward.

 

[Kingstime]

I'm hoping Lee can bounce back from his finals performance a couple years ago, blowing wide open game winning lay ups and stuff. Last season was definitely not a good sophomore season for him either, he can play D though but I don't really think shooting is his game.

 

[beb0p]

Where's the risk here? Take a flier on him. It's at the expense of asorbing Kris Humphries(who you could probably get cash to pay for a lot of it) using just cap space to acquire. There's ZERO risk, Lee's on a rookie deal. More than anything we just need Guard depth and Lee is a FABULOUS fit. You grab Lee and run if this deal is offered. That part is a no briner. Buy Humphries out if you will to save a little cash. Lee is he reward.

I think you think that Courtney Lee is better than he really is. For me, I'd take a flier on a guy with more upside than just a backup.

 

[Smills91]

I think you think that Courtney Lee is better than he really is. For me, I'd take a flier on a guy with more upside than just a backup.

I think that you think you haven't watched Lee more than a handful of times. The Kid's a good player. He fills a need and he comes cheaply. If he really isn't that good, whatever, what was the risk we took to find out. He's young, he fills a role that our team lacks. Why not find out. This so-called, "Flier on a guy with more upside"? Who is this player? What team is going to give him up? I don't see ANY free agents that come close to fitting the need that Lee fills at the cost of his contract. I don't see any high upside guys for sale for pure cap space that fill a need better than Lee.

I just have zero idea what you're talking about here. Lee's a quality player. He's no star, but he does some things very well that our team needs from a SG. It's all gravy that he comes in with a great contract, age to fit our roster dynamics and plays a position of need. We don't need a high upside guy, we HAVE those guys(Tyreke, Cousins maybe even JT) we need guys that are sure-fire HITS now, a la Mike Bibby and Doug Christie of last decade.

 

[beb0p]

I think that you think you haven't watched Lee more than a handful of times. The Kid's a good player. He fills a need and he comes cheaply. If he really isn't that good, whatever, what was the risk we took to find out. He's young, he fills a role that our team lacks. Why not find out. This so-called, "Flier on a guy with more upside"? Who is this player? What team is going to give him up? I don't see ANY free agents that come close to fitting the need that Lee fills at the cost of his contract. I don't see any high upside guys for sale for pure cap space that fill a need better than Lee.

I just have zero idea what you're talking about here. Lee's a quality player. He's no star, but he does some things very well that our team needs from a SG. It's all gravy that he comes in with a great contract, age to fit our roster dynamics and plays a position of need. We don't need a high upside guy, we HAVE those guys(Tyreke, Cousins maybe even JT) we need guys that are sure-fire HITS now, a la Mike Bibby and Doug Christie of last decade.

You said Lee is not a star and implied that he still needs time to show what he's got. And then you also said Lee is a "sure-fire Hit" and compare him to Mike Bibby and Doug Christie. It's like you're talking about two different players, and thus I'm not sure how to respond to you.

Yes, I think you definitely is overrating Lee. On most teams he is a backup, period. On the Kings we're talking about Lee being a backup to a backup, not good enough to unseat Garcia, Beno, Casspi, and Greene from the rotation. So no, I don't see age as having any relevance in this discussion because Lee or whoever takes that spot is not part of the Kings' future and barely part of the present. And do you honestly expect Lee to stick around, to "grow with the team" after he barely get on the floor with Sacramento?

Am I opposed to the Kings getting Lee? No. But what I am object to is the idea that the Kings should swallow Humphries' $3+ millions contract just to land a SG who will not play that much. That I don't get. And I object to the idea that Lee is the ONLY guy out there who can help the Kings. If Lee is that valuable the Nets wouldn't suck so much.

Lastly, the Kings said they're looking for a combo guard - someone with a little bit of playmaking skill. Lee doesnt fit that bill. But there are a few guys out there who do: Tony Allen, Shuan Livingston, Corey Brewer (supposedly not considered part of the T-Wolves' future), Marguis Daniels, etc. Not that I'm advocating signing any of these guys (although Livingstons intrigues me) but the point is that there are guys out there beside Lee who can help this team.

 

[TheRaven]

Yes, I think you definitely is overrating Lee. On most teams he is a backup, period. On the Kings we're talking about Lee being a backup to a backup, not good enough to unseat Garcia, Beno, Casspi, and Greene from the rotation.

No one can say that definitively. He will be a 3rd year player having shown some good play as a rookie on a playoff team and some poor play with an incredibly bad one. He has to work through some inconsistency and get better, which you could also say about Greene or Casspi. Even if he never becomes more than what he is now, he could still provide depth at a position we need some at for the remainder of his rookie contract.

Am I opposed to the Kings getting Lee? No. But what I am object to is the idea that the Kings should swallow Humphries' $3+ millions contract just to land a SG who will not play that much. That I don't get.

And I object to the idea that Lee is the ONLY guy out there who can help the Kings. If Lee is that valuable the Nets wouldn't suck so much.

He never said that Lee was the only player that could help the Kings. What he challenged you to do is find another very young SG with upside who you can acquire for nothing more than taking on a relatively small contract.

Some of the other players you listed could be decent fits over the short term, but none of them have the long-term upside that Lee has. That is why you would take the cost of taking the Hump contract, because it is a relatively low-risk roll of the dice. We aren't going to sign any big free agents this offseason, so why not put some of that cap space to use?

 

[TTown Kings]

absorbing the $3m of Humphries is a big deal? I don't see how, we're not using the capspace anyway. If you don't like Lee fine, but what do you expect us to do with the $3m that is really going to be a huge improvement of Lee?

 

[Bricklayer]

Somebody is going to have to explain to me, again, what exactly is it that Courtney Lee is supposed to do that is so exciting? Because he has always appeared to me to be a througly mediocre SG who does nothing that 40 other NBA SGs can't do, and he's not even THAT young (will be 25 by the start of the season) for you to be able to say oh he's got so much growth ahead of him. What is this calling card that makes you give up something (or take on something) to get him? 12pts 3reb in 33min is like the ultimate Joe Average numbers, and he does it without any of the versatiltiy a Cisco brings. He's 6'5", can't run the point, too small for the SF, and so you've added a mediocre pure SG with a shaky handle and limited passing skills to...steal minutes from Beno? Casspi? Run a platoon and average 7pts 2rebs a game? Help me understand this because I am falling asleep at the mere thought.

 

[hammystyle]

Lastly, the Kings said they're looking for a combo guard - someone with a little bit of playmaking skill. Lee doesnt fit that bill. But there are a few guys out there who do: Tony Allen, Shuan Livingston, Corey Brewer (supposedly not considered part of the T-Wolves' future), Marguis Daniels, etc. Not that I'm advocating signing any of these guys (although Livingstons intrigues me) but the point is that there are guys out there beside Lee who can help this team.

Tony Allen and Corey Brewer are two of the worst ball handling guards in the whole league.

Lee is actually an above average ball handler for a SG.

Livingston is interesting. He might just be back far enough from his injury that he can get back to being a solid rotation player. He'd fit a lot better for us if he could shoot even a little though.

 

[beb0p]

He never said that Lee was the only player that could help the Kings. What he challenged you to do is find another very young SG with upside who you can acquire for nothing more than taking on a relatively small contract.

Actually he did. He said "I don't see ANY free agents that come close to fitting the need that Lee fills at the cost of his contract."

There are always very young SGs with upside who will work for nothing but a minimum contract.

Some of the other players you listed could be decent fits over the short term, but none of them have the long-term upside that Lee has. That is why you would take the cost of taking the Hump contract, because it is a relatively low-risk roll of the dice. We aren't going to sign any big free agents this offseason, so why not put some of that cap space to use?

This is in danger of descending into ridiculousness. I don't think even Smill 91 would use "long term upside" to describe Lee. The guy is 25 and has never shown to be more than a decent backup. What long term upside? Is he going to be 20 and 5 in a couple of years. I highly, highly doubt it.

And please no more comparing Lee to Bibby, Christie, Casspi, or Greene. What's next? Lee is compared to Tyreke Evans?

 

[hammystyle]

Somebody is going to have to explain to me, again, what exactly is it that Courtney Lee is supposed to do that is so exciting? Because he has always appeared to me to be a througly mediocre SG who does nothing that 40 other NBA SGs can't do, and he's not even THAT young (will be 25 by the start of the season) for you to be able to say oh he's got so much growth ahead of him. What is this calling card that makes you give up something (or take on something) to get him? 12pts 3reb in 33min is like the ultimate Joe Average numbers, and he does it without any of the versatiltiy a Cisco brings. He's 6'5", can't run the point, too small for the SF, and so you've added a mediocre pure SG with a shaky handle and limited passing skills to...steal minutes from Beno? Casspi? Run a platoon and average 7pts 2rebs a game? Help me understand this because I am falling asleep at the mere thought.

Lee can handle the ball (backup PG for Magic at times during his rookie year), shoot and defend. He's a low mistake player who doesn't turn the ball over and doesn't try to do too much. He does not have the creativeness or athleticism of a Doug Christie. I'd say he's about as talented as Cisco, just smarter and a little smaller. Seems very confident and competitive.

I can see why people bring him up because he's got all the skillsets that you would want to pair with Tyreke its just that so does Cisco and you can hardly call him a clear upgrade.

 

[hammystyle]

Actually he did. He said "I don't see ANY free agents that come close to fitting the need that Lee fills at the cost of his contract."

There are always very young SGs with upside who will work for nothing but a minimum contract.




This is in danger of descending into ridiculousness. I don't think even Smill 91 would use "long term upside" to describe Lee. The guy is 25 and has never shown to be more than a decent backup. What long term upside? Is he going to be 20 and 5 in a couple of years. I highly, highly doubt it.

And please no more comparing Lee to Bibby, Christie, Casspi, or Greene. What's next? Lee is compared to Tyreke Evans?

You keep calling him a backup, but he started on a finals team as a rookie. He started last year on a terrible team...but if that team gets LeBron James...he's going to start on another team that's going to make noise in the playoffs.

 

[Larry David]

As the premise of this tread was – if New Jersey needs to clear a second max slot this summer – with Wade, Bosh, Amare, and Boozer off the board and LBJ most likely not going to New Jersey … this thread is quickly becoming moot.
New Jersey is smart and they aren't going to over bid for marginal players. They have hopes that Mello won't resign with Devner and they will have gobs of cap to scoop up players under the new CBA.

 

[beb0p]

You keep calling him a backup, but he started on a finals team as a rookie. He started last year on a terrible team...but if that team gets LeBron James...he's going to start on another team that's going to make noise in the playoffs.

I called him a backup/spot starter, someone who should be a backup on most occasions, which is exactly what he is. In the company of Matt Bonner, Anthony Tolliver, Matt Barnes, Chucky Hayes; all guys who started for their teams at one point out of necessity than competency.

And no, there is no way Lee starts for a Lebron lead team. The SG spot will go to Terence Williams, a far more talented player than Lee will ever hope to be.

 

[hammystyle]

I called him a backup/spot starter, someone who should be a backup on most occasions, which is exactly what he is. In the company of Matt Bonner, Anthony Tolliver, Matt Barnes, Chucky Hayes; all guys who started for their teams at one point out of necessity than competency.

And no, there is no way Lee starts for a Lebron lead team. The SG spot will go to Terence Williams, a far more talented player than Lee will ever hope to be.

Lee started over Williams last year, and they'll need Lee's shooting next to LeBron. Lee will start.

Haha, what has T-Will done to show he's a better prospect and player than Lee? 8 ppg on 40% shooting really gets you going? He has some nice all around skill but it won't really matter unless he can learn to shoot at least a little.

 

[beb0p]

Lee started over Williams last year, and they'll need Lee's shooting next to LeBron. Lee will start.

Haha, what has T-Will done to show he's a better prospect and player than Lee? 8 ppg on 40% shooting really gets you going? He has some nice all around skill but it won't really matter unless he can learn to shoot at least a little.

That's why you have to watch them play instead of just drilling on stats. Williams has the potential to be an All-Star. Lee is just another journeyman. Last year was T-Will's rookie year, he is not going to be sitting on the bench this coming season.

It's funny because Williams is essentially a similar (but better) version of Courtney Lee. A good defender, can handle the ball, good passer, good rebounder. All he needs is a jumpshot which is a matter of when not if. Somehow you talked yourself into loving Lee's 12.5 ppg and 3.6 rebs but dismiss Williams's ability to post numbers across the board. I like triple doubles, so I like Williams. T-Will is going to be a big part of the Net's future, a place where Lee is an afterthought.

 

[Smills91]

You said Lee is not a star and implied that he still needs time to show what he's got. And then you also said Lee is a "sure-fire Hit" and compare him to Mike Bibby and Doug Christie. It's like you're talking about two different players, and thus I'm not sure how to respond to you.

Yes, I think you definitely is overrating Lee. On most teams he is a backup, period. On the Kings we're talking about Lee being a backup to a backup, not good enough to unseat Garcia, Beno, Casspi, and Greene from the rotation. So no, I don't see age as having any relevance in this discussion because Lee or whoever takes that spot is not part of the Kings' future and barely part of the present. And do you honestly expect Lee to stick around, to "grow with the team" after he barely get on the floor with Sacramento?

Am I opposed to the Kings getting Lee? No. But what I am object to is the idea that the Kings should swallow Humphries' $3+ millions contract just to land a SG who will not play that much. That I don't get. And I object to the idea that Lee is the ONLY guy out there who can help the Kings. If Lee is that valuable the Nets wouldn't suck so much.

Lastly, the Kings said they're looking for a combo guard - someone with a little bit of playmaking skill. Lee doesnt fit that bill. But there are a few guys out there who do: Tony Allen, Shuan Livingston, Corey Brewer (supposedly not considered part of the T-Wolves' future), Marguis Daniels, etc. Not that I'm advocating signing any of these guys (although Livingstons intrigues me) but the point is that there are guys out there beside Lee who can help this team.

That's a stupid concern. The Kings have to have a minimu salary commitment near 43.5 million(75% of the cap - now set at 58 million). Adding Brockness, Cousins, Whiteside to the current Kings roster puts the Kings at around 40-42 range. So they'll HAVE to spend that money somewhere. Might as well be on Humphries EXPIRING deal and nabbing Lee in the process, rather than blowing some MLE deal for 5 years on a one trick pony like Morrow...

 

[Smills91]

That's why you have to watch them play instead of just drilling on stats. Williams has the potential to be an All-Star. Lee is just another journeyman. Last year was T-Will's rookie year, he is not going to be sitting on the bench this coming season.

It's funny because Williams is essentially a similar (but better) version of Courtney Lee. A good defender, can handle the ball, good passer, good rebounder. All he needs is a jumpshot which is a matter of when not if. Somehow you talked yourself into loving Lee's 12.5 ppg and 3.6 rebs but dismiss Williams's ability to post numbers across the board. I like triple doubles, so I like Williams. T-Will is going to be a big part of the Net's future, a place where Lee is an afterthought.

You see you lose ALL credibility with me with this comment. You get on Hamm for 'not watching' the players and yet, either your eyes are deceiving you or you haven't watched them yourself. I've lived in Louisville, KY for the past 5 years. I've seen T-Will(UofL) and C. Lee(Western Kentucky) play a bunch, both in college and the pros.

To say that Williams is a similar but better version of Lee is a HUGE stretch. Lee's strength is shooting. Williams biggest weakness is shooting. T-Will's biggest strength is play-making(Point forward type skills). Other than both being good defenders, the comparisons end there.

Please don't be making claims that Lee is a BENCH player, and Williams is a future All-Star because in fact it's showing your lack of knowledge on this subject. I don't think anything could be further from the truth.

 

[hammystyle]

That's why you have to watch them play instead of just drilling on stats. Williams has the potential to be an All-Star. Lee is just another journeyman. Last year was T-Will's rookie year, he is not going to be sitting on the bench this coming season.

It's funny because Williams is essentially a similar (but better) version of Courtney Lee. A good defender, can handle the ball, good passer, good rebounder. All he needs is a jumpshot which is a matter of when not if. Somehow you talked yourself into loving Lee's 12.5 ppg and 3.6 rebs but dismiss Williams's ability to post numbers across the board. I like triple doubles, so I like Williams. T-Will is going to be a big part of the Net's future, a place where Lee is an afterthought.

- I've seen them both play a combined 30 times or so.
- I don't love Lee, I just disagree with everything you have to say about him.
- Lee and Williams are not similar players at all.
- Williams has about a 1% chance at best of ever being an All-Star. He's 23 already and wasn't very good last year.

**Edit** What Smills said.

 

[beb0p]

That's a stupid concern. The Kings have to have a minimu salary commitment near 43.5 million(75% of the cap - now set at 58 million). Adding Brockness, Cousins, Whiteside to the current Kings roster puts the Kings at around 40-42 range. So they'll HAVE to spend that money somewhere. Might as well be on Humphries EXPIRING deal and nabbing Lee in the process, rather than blowing some MLE deal for 5 years on a one trick pony like Morrow...

The Kings basically have at least two spots open. One is going to be a 3rd-string PG. The other can be just about any position, but most likely is a vet. Assuming your math is right, then the two positions at most need to spend about $3.5 millions combined, not the $4.5 millions+ that you're proposing for Lee + Humphries. And before you say $1 million difference is no big deal, recall Hiton Armstrong.

 

[beb0p]

To say that Williams is a similar but better version of Lee is a HUGE stretch. Lee's strength is shooting. Williams biggest weakness is shooting. T-Will's biggest strength is play-making(Point forward type skills). Other than both being good defenders, the comparisons end there.

Please don't be making claims that Lee is a BENCH player, and Williams is a future All-Star because in fact it's showing your lack of knowledge on this subject. I don't think anything could be further from the truth.

1. I said "similar", I didn't say they are the "same" player. And I have qualified what I meant: both good defenders but Williams is a better playmaker than Lee.

2. If you just remember the T-Will and Lee from college days, I can understand why you have the impression that you have. I'm going by the most recent version of the players. You said Lee's strength is shooting, not true, not anymore. Lee bricked so many shots in NJ that fans put up pages like this: http://netsarescorching.com/2009/12/21/is-courtneys-lower-body-the-reason-for-his-slump/ As for Williams, his jumpers had improved a lot by the end of the season. Judging by Lee's struggles last season and comparing it to William's improvement, the gap has been closed. Lee is still the better shooter for sure but if Williams keep his pace he will catch up soon enough.

- I've seen them both play a combined 30 times or so.
- I don't love Lee, I just disagree with everything you have to say about him.
- Lee and Williams are not similar players at all.
- Williams has about a 1% chance at best of ever being an All-Star. He's 23 already and wasn't very good last year.

**Edit** What Smills said.

I present to you what is said about Williams by NBA people:

“In two years, he’s an All-Star, as long as he continues to work. Just bring the people in here to teach him the right things, and he’ll be an All-Star.” - Trenton Hassell.

http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2010/03/nets_trenton_hassell_understan.html


“I think he’s in many ways unique but he reminds of me of some of the guys like Paul Pressey, Clyde Drexler, who were always filling out the stat sheet, always playing good defense, always solid, playing with energy,” Vandeweghe said. “I think he’s just touching the surface of what he could be.
“His ceiling is probably unlimited, but it’s up to how hard he’s going to work and how much he’s going to work at his game.”

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/pro_sports/040410_Williamss_14_assists_help_Nets_beat_Hornets.html



“He has all the ability, he can see the floor, he gets up and down,” forward David West said. “He’s like a combo guard with the strength of a three, and the quickness to guard ones. That’s a great combination. He’s a heck of a player.”

http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2010/04/nets_rookie_terrence_williams_1.html



“He’s going to be a good player,” said an Eastern Conference scout. “He might be a [point guard] and he can guard anybody.”

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/pro_sports/040410_Williamss_14_assists_help_Nets_beat_Hornets.html

But hey, what do those guys know, right?



As for the claim that Williams wasn't very good:

After being the invisible rookie in February – with averages of 3.7 points (.385 shooting), 2.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 15 games – Williams has essentially turned into perhaps the Nets’ best player since.

In his last 17 games, he has averaged 14.1 points (.446 shooting), 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/pro_sports/040410_Williamss_14_assists_help_Nets_beat_Hornets.html

If Courtney Lee has ever averaged 14/6/5 in any 17 game stretch, I'd like to know about it; because it has never happened.