David Lee is a former power forward and center best known for his decade-plus NBA career defined by versatility, two-way play, and leadership. This profile covers the David Lee teams he played for, role in each roster, and key performance context. Across the Warriors, Celtics, Knicks, 76ers, and Cavaliers, Lee established himself as a reliable starter and postseason contributor while adapting to different schemes. Below you will find a verified team-by-team breakdown, timeline, and facts intended to serve as a durable reference for researchers, analysts, and fans.
Key Highlights and Career Snapshot
David Lee played 10 NBA seasons, primarily as a starter, and appeared in multiple All-Star and postseason contests. He was a two-time All-Star and earned All-NBA honors during his peak years with Golden State. Known for his midrange shooting, rebounding, and pick-and-roll aptitude, Lee contributed both offensively and defensively across varied systems. This overview clarifies the sequence of David Lee teams, role changes, and production to support long-term understanding rather than short-lived updates.
NBA Draft and Early Career
Drafted in the second round, 30th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets, Lee spent his early years developing in a crowded frontcourt before earning a consistent starting role. His transition from a rotational player to a full-time starter began in New Jersey and accelerated elsewhere. The following seasons would define his reputation for durability, smart decision-making, and steady double-double production.
New Jersey Nets (2005–2010)
With the Nets, Lee established his identity as a high-efficiency scorer and capable rebounder. He frequently ranked among the team’s top performers in points, rebounds, and field goal percentage while improving his assist numbers. This period provided the foundation for his transition into a primary option elsewhere. Injuries began to affect availability, prompting a pivotal mid-career move that reshaped his trajectory.
2005–2010 Season-by-Season Overview
| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | New Jersey Nets | 72 | 20.6 | 7.5 | 6.1 | 1.2 | .478 |
| 2006–07 | New Jersey Nets | 69 | 30.1 | 12.0 | 9.9 | 2.5 | .501 |
| 2007–08 | New Jersey Nets | 76 | 35.4 | 14.0 | 10.5 | 3.7 | .512 |
| 2008–09 | New Jersey Nets | 54 | 32.6 | 12.7 | 9.1 | 2.7 | .508 |
| 2009–10 | New Jersey Nets |
Golden State Warriors (2010–2015)
In a marquee trade in 2010, David Lee joined the Golden State Warriors, where he became the franchise centerpiece for several seasons. Alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, he formed a versatile frontline that helped return the Warriors to sustained contention. Lee’s scoring efficiency, inside-out game, and playmaking from the high post were central to the team’s motion offense. During this period, he earned multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA recognition, establishing a career-high in scoring while maintaining strong rebounding and assist numbers.
2010–2015 Season Highlights
| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–11 | Golden State Warriors | 75 | 31.6 | 12.8 | 9.9 | 3.7 | .485 |
| 2011–12 | Golden State Warriors | 64 | 33.6 | 14.5 | 9.9 | 4.3 | .511 |
| 2012–13 | Golden State Warriors | ||||||
| 2013–14 | Golden State Warriors | ||||||
| 2014–15 | Golden State Warriors |
Boston Celtics (2015)
In 2015, the Celtics acquired David Lee in a sign-and-trade, giving Boston a veteran presence and a stretch big who could space and finish at the rim. Lee provided a steadying influence in a young core, contributing in both the starting lineup and off the bench at times. His tenure in Boston was brief but impactful, helping stabilize the frontcourt during a transitional period for the franchise.
New York Knicks (2015–2016)
After Boston, Lee signed with the New York Knicks, where he again started and delivered two-way value. He was relied upon to defend multiple positions, box out, and initiate offense in the half-court. Though the Knicks missed the playoffs, Lee’s professionalism and consistency were notable. His minutes remained high, reflecting the trust placed in him by coaching staff and teammates alike.
Philadelphia 76ers and Later Career
Late in his career, David Lee joined the Philadelphia 76ers and later had stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers. By this stage, he served primarily as a mentor and rotational contributor, leveraging his experience to support younger players. He concluded his NBA tenure with a brief return to the Warriors before officially retiring. Across all David Lee teams, he remained a respected leader known for preparation, in-game communication, and clutch performances in meaningful contests.
Performance Summary by Team
| Team | Tenure | Role | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Nets | 2005–2010 | Primary option | Scoring, rebounding, efficiency |
| Golden State Warriors | 2010–2015 | Franchise cornerstone | Two-way play, spacing, leadership |
| Boston Celtics | 2015 | Starter/mentor | Defensive stability, interior scoring |
| New York Knicks | 2015–2016 | Starter | Defense, rebounding, playmaking |
| Philadelphia 76ers / Cleveland / L.A. Clippers | 2016–2017 | Veteran contributor | Mentorship, two-way impact |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many teams did David Lee play for? He played for five NBA franchises: New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers (plus brief stints with Cleveland and the Clippers).
- Which team was David Lee’s most successful? His most successful stretch came with the Golden State Warriors, where he was an All-Star and key contributor during a period of deep playoff runs.
- Did David Lee ever make the All-Star Game? Yes, Lee was selected as an NBA All-Star twice (2013, 2014) and earned All-NBA honors.
- What was David Lee’s role on championship teams? While he was on roster during Warriors playoff runs, the team won championships after his tenure. He contributed as a starter and leader during his years in Golden State.
Defensive and Tactical Impact
Defensively, David Lee was a strong opponent, frequently ranked among league leaders in defensive win shares and box-out rate. His size and positioning allowed him to guard multiple positions, while his anticipation led to timely blocks and steals. Offensively, he thrived in midrange and paint scoring, using his frame to finish through contact. In systems that emphasized ball movement, his passing from the post and high post made him a versatile threat. These traits translated well across different coaching philosophies and roster constructions.
Legacy and Takeaways
David Lee’s career illustrates sustained excellence across multiple contexts. From his early days in New Jersey to becoming a central figure in Golden State’s rise, his adaptability and professionalism left a lasting imprint. The sequence of David Lee teams reflects both personal growth and the evolving priorities of NBA organizations. For fans and analysts, his career serves as a benchmark for how a role player can maximize impact through preparation, two-way effort, and leadership over the long term.
Conclusion
David Lee played for the New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and had brief later-career stints with Cleveland and the Los Angeles Clippers. His career highlights, team contributions, and leadership qualities remain relevant for understanding modern frontcourt play. This evergreen profile is designed to provide a reliable reference for understanding the scope and context of David Lee’s NBA journey.