New York Knicks: Courtney Lee’s return, the rotation, and the inevitable

Courtney Lee’s return to the New York Knicks opens a few storylines that impact the present and will play into the future.

Kristaps Porzingis received the attention for his injury, but the New York Knicks were also without Courtney Lee, who’s ailment arose in training camp; a strained neck took him off the court for two months.

Amid starting lineup alterations and changes to the rotation, Lee’s presence was almost forgotten. He never received a public timeline to return, until a recent comeback at practice, and quality production from Tim Hardaway Jr. and Allonzo Trier have taken over shooting guard.

However, per Zach Braziller of The New York Post, Lee is “probable” to play in Saturday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, thus jumpstarting a handful of storylines that impact the present-day Knicks and the future squad.

The rotation

Lee’s return doesn’t mean someone from the backcourt must leave the rotation. Though unless head coach David Fizdale finds a way to play 12 players, there’s an inevitable cutback on who plays.

For this game, per Chris Iseman of NorthJersey.com, the Knicks may not have Mitchell Robinson, due to a bruised left heel suffered in Wednesday’s blowout loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

That might solve the conundrum for one night, but it doesn’t indicate the long-term outlook, especially with veterans playing well and youth that needs playing time. Even Damyean Dotson, formerly on the outside, looking in, has stepped up.

Maybe Lee himself will drift out of the rotation shortly, but that seems unlikely if Fizdale wants to see how he meshes with this group, and if the Knicks need to showcase the 33-year-old.

The inevitable trade

Lee’s $12.75 million for 2019-20 takes a bite out of next summer’s cap space. With an eye on the next free agent class, the Knicks have already tried to shed his salary to open room and take that last hurdle towards enough available money to offer a maximum contract.

Per The Ringer, the Knicks and Charlotte Hornets discussed a deal for Lee before February’s trade deadline. Marc Berman of The New York Post reaffirmed the organization’s interest in dealing the veteran guard, who wanted a move to a contender or to stay in New York, before training camp,

Injuries, of course, don’t help a player’s trade value. It kept Lee off the court for two months and didn’t allow the Knicks to showcase him for a prospective trade.

Now, that chance is here. Especially as the first quarter of the season has passed and potential playoff teams establish their roster needs. Will someone that likes what they see from Lee call the New York Knicks for a combination of outside shooting and perimeter defense before the deadline?