David Lee Already a Leader in Boston

When the Boston Celtics acquired David Lee he immediately became the biggest veteran prescence on the team. From the players up to the coach the Celtics are an incredibly young team and getting a veteran with championship experience could be incredibly valuable.

It turns out that David Lee has already embraced a leadership role. According to the Boston Herald, Lee held a players only meeting at the very beginning of the Celtics’ Europe trip.

Brad Stevens is a players coach and his youth may give him an even better connection to his players but he is just as inexperienced as the majority of his players. Stevens was successful in college but he has known nothing other than an overachieving rebuilding franchise in the NBA. Stevens works tremendously on team chemistry and the results were encouraging last season.

Mar 20, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens gives direction to his team during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

David Lee can come in and establish a different kind of chemistry. Stevens will do everything to establish continuity on the court. If Stevens was successful with the amount of different players on the team last season, there is no doubting that he will have the Celtics playing phenomenal team ball this season.

Lee can come in and give the Celtics the perspective that they lack. Lee not only understands what it takes to be a part of a championship roster but he understands the kind of sacrifice that is necessary to create the roster.

Lee was one of the main players for many successful years with the Warriors but emerging defensive players and injuries forced him to accept a bench role. Lee has the talent and the pedigree to be a starter in the NBA but he did nothing to disrupt the team when he lost his starting position.

Jun 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) fights for a loose ball with Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10), guard Shaun Livingston (34) and forward Harrison Barnes (40) in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Winning championships is about much more than talent and while the Celtics are searching for the necessary talent they have an opportunity to establish a culture and mentality that is also necessary for a championship. Stevens will remain the most important person in establishing a culture but Lee can be one of the most important players.

It will certainly be easier for Lee to establish himself if he can lead by example on the court as well. Lee is already a leader off the court but he can be a leader on the court, Lee has a great understanding of the little things that are necessary. The little things that Stevens has always preached. The little things that has make Smart such a great young player.

The Celtics are finally in a position where they can establish continuity on and off the court and David Lee may wind up being second to only Stevens in establishing what is necessary to becoming a championship contending team.

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