New York Knicks: Can Courtney Lee excel at small forward?

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 9: Courtney Lee
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 9: Courtney Lee

The New York Knicks are challenging Courtney Lee to play small forward in 2017-18. Can he hold his own as a two-way player at the position?


The New York Knicks have begun to embrace the areas in which the game has changed. Between the acquisition of three-point shooters, the commitment to pushing the pace, and the introduction of a more modern offense, New York is adapting.

That much may be no better displayed than by the fact that head coach Jeff Hornacek is trusting Courtney Lee to help him thrive in what’s becoming a position-less NBA.

The Knicks made a firm commitment to Tim Hardaway Jr. as the starting shooting guard by signing the former Michigan Wolverines star to a four-year deal worth roughly $71 million. As the regular season nears, however, the other prominent shooting guard on the roster, Lee, is being asked to occasionally change his position.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Lee is confident that he’ll be able to hold his own on defense against opposing small forwards.

"“I feel I can guard anybody if it makes sense,’’ Lee said. “We got to do what’s best for the team. If somebody’s starting at small forward that’s 6 [-foot-] 10 and starts posting me up, it only makes sense to get a bigger body on him. But if you put me on anybody, I’m going to fight him. I’m going to try to get the stop. That’s my job. Maybe I am blocking that 6-10 guy’s jump hook and I stay in.”"

It’s fair to question whether or not Lee can adequately defend small forwards, but his confidence and unselfishness should be positive influences.

Lee is willing to fight on defense, which is reason enough to cherish his presence on the roster. The key to his value to the Knicks, however, is that he’s unselfish enough to admit when he’s struggling and accept that someone else needs to take on the assignment.

That could potentially transpire, as some small forwards will tower over Lee, who stands at 6’5″ and 200 pounds—significantly smaller measurements than those possessed by the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James.

Head coach Jeff Hornacek acknowledged the potential issues with playing Lee at small forward, but also made an interesting counterpoint: Said players will have to defend Lee, too.

"“They’re bigger small forwards, yes,’’ Hornacek said. “It could cause us problems, but you’ve got to weigh it. Does their size difference hurt us more than us, their bigger guy having to chase our guy? So you weigh a little bit of that.”"

That’s an excellent point that must be acknowledged and processed before Lee is written off or accepted as the ideal fit at small forward.

Lee’s defensive effort and energy have earned him praise throughout his career, but his offense is quite understated. He’s a virtual lock for 10 points per game, as well as an outstanding three-point shooter who converted 40.1 percent of his attempts in 2016-17.

If Lee can tire the opposition out from chasing him around the floor and either contesting his jump shots or being exposed on a hard closeout, a balance could be struck.

Lee may still have some trouble on defense, but if the opposition is struggling more, it may be worth it.

Must Read: 5 burning questions for the New York Knicks in 2017-18

In mere days, the New York Knicks will receive their first look at whether or not Courtney Lee can hold his own at small forward.