New Net Lee Caught Off Guard, Still Coping With Change

The smiles seemed a little forced, understandably.

Courtney Lee and Tony Battie went from playing with Dwight Howard, playing for a championship, living in sunny Orlando to playing for a team that is rebuilding, hasn't seen the playoffs in two years and in an area that seems like it hasn't seen an entirely sunny day in weeks.

All of that said, the two new Nets - Rafer Alston was unavailable because he was sick - tried very hard to put a positive spin on being with the Nets. But you could tell Lee, especially, would rather have stayed where he was.

"It was definitely a shock," Lee said. "Going all the way to the Finals on a good team, just expecting to regroup for next year and make it back to the playoffs again and just to get the news that you've been traded, it definitely was a shock but it's one I have to live with."

And now you're here, playing for one of the worst teams, and they just traded their best player.

"It's definitely hard to cope with that," Lee said. "But knowing the plan of the Nets and them still having Devin Harris and then getting a good draft pick this year, it's just a moving forward process."

A little later, someone asked if he experienced a good shock or bad shock?

"You could say a little bit of both," Lee said. "The bad: I was on a good team that made it to the Finals and didn't see it coming. But then also a good shock in coming to this situation and having a stronger role."

There's the positive spin. Lee comes in knowing he's going to get more of an opportunity here than he would in Orlando where he was a fourth option at best, even if the Magic ran plays for him in the Philadelphia series.

Lee is the Nets' starting shooting guard next season, barring something unforeseen. Lee was the key to the Vince Carter trade from the Nets' standpoint so he's going to slide in and get more than the seven shots per game he averaged his rookie season with Orlando.

"They traded away the starting two-guard who was also a 20-point scorer per game," Lee said. "I don't want to put a label at all on my role at this point. The thing I can do is let time tell and just keep working hard."

Aside from Lee wanting to stay in Orlando, the biggest thing I took out of this is he welcomes the opportunity to do more, score more, like any player would.

Lee shot 45 percent from the field and 40 from three so he's a good shooter. But he was the beneficiary of teams paying closer attention to Howard, Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis. Lee also is an above-average defender and good athlete so he can help the Nets return to being a running team.

"I would definitely like a stronger role than I had in Orlando," Lee said. "Any responsibility, I'm willing to take on.

"Being the fifth option, the fourth or fifth option every night, and then coming to a different situation where there is more of a scoring opportunity, I feel that role is one I definitely could take on."

***
Since you brought it up, Courtney, what exactly is the Nets' plan?

"I'm not really sure what the Nets' plan is," Lee said. "We spoke briefly. It's definitely a restructuring. That's about all I can say about that right now. But I'm sure there is a plan."

Doesn't sound too convincing.

***
Battie can help the Nets with his leadership, voice and experience. He's played on pretty good teams in Boston and Orlando.

Being a veteran, he understands why his contract can is attractive in trades. But he was surprised that the Magic gave up on Lee already.

"I tell you what’s a shock – me being traded is no shock," Battie said. " For them to trade Courtney, that was a shock for me, to hear that. Tremendous talent. Young and upcoming guy who….the sky’s the limit for him. I mean, he can de finitely put the all in the hole. Still learning. Quick and athletic. All the things that bleed fun, energetic basketball – he’s got it. 

"When the dust clears, you guys are going to see a tremendous kid playing some exciting basketball."

***

What do you think this team will be like, Courtney?

"I definitely looked at the roster and who they brought in," Lee said. "It's going to be a young energized team. My thought process is it's going to be a fast-paced team, up and down and playing good defense and getting out and running on the break. It will be a good system for me."

Comments

[J Bone]

hope he's not Antoine Wright part 2

[Belarus]

not even close. Write is a bust that in his fourth season can't beat Lee in PPG and FG%. Lee FTW!!!

[JERZ]

He's young so i hope he's able to adjust from winning to losing.I like this roster we probably won't make the playoffs but i think will be fun to watch.

[funny80sguy]

You guys are getting a tremendous player who will always work hard and is willing to sacrifice his overall game for the betterment of the team. Courtney Lee will be missed by the Magic. I hope the kid gets the chance to shine for you guys.