David Lee missed the Warriors’ first three games of the season with a hamstring injury.
He returned for game four, scoring six points in seven minutes, before aggravating the injury again.
Associated Press:Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Lee will likely be sidelined beyond the weekend as the team takes a more cautious approach to his return this time.
“I just feel bad for David because he’s had a great preseason and he’s worked so hard,” Kerr said. “You saw the impact he made on the game immediately, and for this to happen, I feel bad for him. Hopefully we get him back soon and he’ll be back in the mix and we’ll go from there.”
The 4-0 Warriors have been more than fine with Draymond Green starting in Lee’s place. Green brings a defensive tenacity – and high entertainment factor – to Golden State.
But the Warriors are best off when Lee, a talented scorer who has strong chemistry with Stephen Curry, is available.
There’s no need to rush. Golden State’s priority should be clicking at the end of the season, not now. Though Kerr needs time to evaluate how to best balance the playing time of Lee and Green, there will be opportunities.
The Warriors are wisely showing patience here, and they should delay Lee’s return until another setback becomes significantly unlikely.
