EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

Sports

January 11, 2013

In short order, Lee feels like a Celtic

LAWRENCE — For four years with three different teams, Courtney Lee had a very strong opinion about the Boston Celtics.

Especially Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

“I hated them,” said Lee, who played for Orlando, New Jersey and Houston (two years) the previous four seasons. “I thought they were cocky. They talked a lot. I just didn’t like them.”

Things have changed a little for bit for Lee, who was in Lawrence yesterday for the unveiling of a renovated gymnasium at the Bruce School.

”I love KG and Paul,” said the 27-year-old Lee, who was acquired in a three-team trade with Houston and Portland.

”They come to play and bring an intensity every day, whether it’s a game or practice. It hasn’t been long, but I love being a Celtic. Everywhere we go, people love the Celtics. Even here (at the Bruce School), with all of this excitement. There really isn’t another franchise like this with all of its history. Green jerseys are everywhere. It’s exciting every day.”

Yesterday was one of those days. The well-spoken Lee, an Indianapolis native who graduated from Western Kentucky, says he was brought up with the notion that he is obligated to help others.

”I used to be one of these kids, all excited to see pro athletes,” said Lee. “I’m very lucky. I feel we, as pros, can make an impact on young people. This is fun. It’s my pleasure being here.”

The Celtics must have thought a lot of Lee on the court, too.

The Celtics agreed to guarantee all four years of his deal, for $21.5 million, two weeks after Ray Allen shunned the Celtics’ “bigger” offer to sign with the Miami Heat.

”When I talked to Danny (Ainge) and Doc (Rivers), they really showed a lot of interest in me,” said Lee, who averaged 10 points a game while starting nearly half of his 287 games in four previous seasons. “It was a perfect situation. I didn’t care about starting. I wanted to win. I wanted to be part of something special.”

”Special” has not been a word to describe the 2012-13 Celtics. Even with their four-game win streak, Boston is only 18-17, and arguably the second most disappointing NBA team. The Los Angeles Lakers own that moniker.

”People have to realize there are only four guys who played the entire season last year who are back this year,” said the 6-5 shooting guard, referring to Garnett, Pierce, Brandon Bass and Rajon Rondo. “That’s a lot of new faces. It takes time to play together and learn about each other on and off the court. We have the talent. It’s amazing how much talent we have. We just need some time to jell.”

Lee, who is averaging 6.7 points and 2.2 rebounds a game, said the recent winning streak isn’t enough of a body of work to get excited. Come back, he says, in March and the standings will be more in their proper order.

”On paper, I believe we’re the deepest team in the NBA,” said Lee. “We have some great practices. It’s just going to take some time. I can’t wait until we hit our stride. We’re not there yet. But ...”

E-mail Bill Burt at bburt@eagletribune.com.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Sports

Local Sports Videos
Sports Videos
Should the Sixers draft Cody Zeller? Is Utley on the verge of going on the DL? DeSean Jackson on Chip Kelly's new system South Jersey native Frank Vogel is ready to face the Heat Luukko: 'Bryz certainly wasn't the reason we had a disappointing season' Blame shouldn't all fall on Manuel Amaro 'not concerned' with Hamels not talking to media Jawarski and if Chip Kelly's system can work in the NFL Why was DeSean Jackson tweeting about pot? Did the NCAA violate antitrust laws with PSU sanctions? NBA Draft: Top 5 Prospects Athletes come to aid of Oklahoma tornado victims NFL Player Posts Photo of Himself Appearing to Pee on IRS Building Are Sixers targeting Kelvin Sampson? Recipe for Success: Phillies draft picks Recipe for Success: Phillies at the trade deadline Recipe for success: Ryan Howard Phillies talks about struggling to win games Utley on Halladay going on the DL Is the bullpen in trouble without Mike Adams?
Boston Sports
Sportsnet Central: Rangers state of mind Felger & Mazz: Is it reasonable to start worrying about WIll Middlebrooks? Felger & Mazz: Caller challenges Felger & Mazz Sportsnet Central: Tedy Bruschi selected for Patriots Hall of Fame Rask: 4th line deserved GW goal Paille on GW goal: 'I had a perfect view on it' NBA Draft: Top 5 Prospects Athletes come to aid of Oklahoma tornado victims Bruins' defenseman Wade Redden On Potential Return Globe 10.0: Can the Bruins young defensemen keep playing well? Kevin Dupont discusses Bruins-Rangers Game 2 Globe 10.0: Is Lundqvist the key to the series? Blakely: Rivers to return to Celtics next season Globe 10.0: Do the Sox rely too much on Lester and Buchholz? Bruins Talk About Rangers Blocking Shots Bruins' Patrice Bergeron On Selke Award, Matchup With Rangers Julien: 'I'm a tired coach' Seguin: Thornton said he expected something from me in OT Rask: 'It's really disappointing' Julien: 'We've been a Jekyll and Hyde hockey club'