As you could guess by my name and any posts I've made on here - I'm a C Lee supporter (went to WKU the same 4 years he was there). The threads and comments about his curse are absolutely ridiculous. You're essentially claiming that Lee alone was the reason the Nets were pathetic last year, you obviously didn't get a good look at that "blown layup" in Orlando, and you're totally disillusioned about Lee's game. The man is not cursed. If he were cursed, he wouldn't be tied as WKU's all-time leading scorer. He wouldn't have helped lead WKU to a sweet 16. He wouldn't have been drafted in the first round or started in the NBA Finals as a rookie. How many of you all crying about his curse or poor clutch play expected him to even be in the game during "clutch moments" when he became a Rocket? I'd be willing to bet no one. What is Lee's role on this team? To close out games? NO. It's to come off the bench, hit open shots, and play defense. He busts his butt when he's in...something not everyone on this team appears to be willing to do. He's a hard worker, and more importantly - he tries and at least he doesn't shy away from taking a clutch shot. He's got to be aware that any "clutch" moment gone bad is just gonna build on his reputation of "unclutchness"...something hitting one big shot could totally change. As someone pointed out in the post-game thread - he just needs to relax in those moments and build some confidence. Not one of you expected Lee to be a clutch or key player. I'll be the first to admit that he's not that guy at this point in his career. Games last as long as they do for a reason. You can say if this and if that all you want, and obviously late game situations are what everyone will remember, but the if's could have gone a different way earlier in the game (e.g. AB and KM not getting hurt) and there may not have even been a chance to win, or a chance to blow a lead, etc. Lee is what he is, a 3rd year guard that at this point is a role player - not a hero. At least he works hard during games and after games to improve himself. At least he doesn't shy away from the moment and a chance to help the team win. This team has issues deeper than one person, especially a guy coming off of the bench.
Here's a thread worth starting with content worth reading. No ridiculous insults or name-calling. Nice thread, C.Lee6thmanOTY. I think his close at the end of the preseason game in Dallas and now tonight with the two missed free throws has created a bad first impression in Houston of Lee, but I'm happy with him. He was a big part of the run that got the Rockets back in it in the first place.
I am definitely not a Lee hater. Though I still feel they should have given the ball to Battier or Scola for the clutch free-throws. Preferably Battier because he knocked down 4 in a row in the fourth quarter. http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?p=5685677#post5685677
Sorry for the long rant, but I also meant to mention that if anything, the head coach should take a TON of the blame for not having confidence in his best scorers (AB, K-Mart, and Scola) to get it done and using some seemingly odd combinations down the stretch in tight games. If the coach doesn't want Lee in with a chance for a costly mistake or missed shot - take him out. I did not see tonight's game and understand that AB and K-Mart were out, but from what I've read the offense late seemed to be a bit chaotic with Lee and Ish running it...it's on the COACH to call a timeout or get their attention and tell them what to do.
c-lee was part of the bench brigade that actually got the rox back in the game and into the lead. after outplaying the starters. he actually showed them how its done, with some heart and sound defense. only to called upon 2 close out the game, a role he hasnt been asked 2 play yet, on this team after a solid game, 2 missed free-throws are what he's rememberd 4, poor guy must be cursed!
The problem with a large part of the mentality on this board is "what have you done for me lately." I'm glad we got Lee, yes he did choke, but he has done much to help this team.
Not a Courtney hater at all. But he is not clutch. Apparently, no one on this team is. Lee had probably had is best game as a Rocket today, but I am still not a fan of the Ariza-Lee trade. Trading our best SF for a backup SG is not a good idea. Considering Martin might be out (the next game at least) I'm glad to have Lee at the moment. BTW, I'm surprised no one has called the OP a COF.
Courtney Lee usually makes those free throws...Watched some games of the magic that year, and he had ice in his veins, would make all of them even when his team was missing.... ... that is until he joined the rockets.
Absolutely true. I'm a Courtney fan as well... though I didn't go to WKU when he was there I followed his career after I think it was his sophomore year they played Arizona and nearly beat them. I was flipping through the channels and saw it was WKU playing and stopped to watch. He wasn't as good as he is now, but he was fun to watch that game... I'm sure he's beating himself up enough over missing those free throws... just like Chuck is upset that Parker stole the ball from him. Don't stress over the craziness that is the GARM during a losing streak! Glad to have you with us.
I'm not a hater by any means. I see him as what he is- a moderately talented player, especially on defense and in transition, who is a good value for his low salary, and chokes in key moments of games. I don't think there's a curse, but Lee is probably not even an average NBA player in terms of his performance on the court at the moment. He might improve, but let's look at the here and now instead of a hypothetical. You could say that about every unclutch player. Chokers gonna choke. I agree. He's merely one not-so-good basketball player among many right now.
COF. Lol just kidding. Yea you are right. Courtney's job isn't suppose to be a clutch player, but still I thought he would've made those 2 free throws. I guess people are labeling him unclutch since this was suppose to be our game and we lost.
Good post, sure there are some idiots about but most of I think believe he is a very handy player off the bench. Has issues it seems when the pressure is on but that can be fixed over time.
@OP: You'll soon learn, if you haven't already, that many posters on this forum are those of the knee-jerk variety. We ARE on the wrong end of a 0-5 start, so it is only natural that fans feel slighted, and look for a scapegoat. With Lee missing the two FTs at the end of regulation (going by what everyone says, as I tuned in only in the OT period), he was the easiest to pick on. When the Rockets get their first win, there won't be quite so many threads like this.
I don't like when Lee tries to create on his own. Aside from that I love the guy. Great defender. In the right situation, under the right coach, he'd be a fan favorite. Easy. Instead we like to talk about Budinger around here... whatever. Lee will win y'all over eventually. This will all be forgotten.
I'm just wondering if the OP made the same type of post on the Nets bbs last year. j/k I'm happy with Lee also, sure he's had his moments of gaffe but like the OP said, our problems and the reason we are winless right now stems from more issues than just Lee.
His shot is streaky. He tends to rely on jumpers too much. I wish he would attack the basket more since he's very athletic.
