David Lee happens to be my favorite player on the team, a trait I share with most Knick fans. He reminds me of my previous favorite Charles Oakley because he hustles, rebounds and plays with passion. Other qualities I admire about him are that he plays hurt, is a solid locker room influence, and will outwork anyone in practice. However, he lacks the Oak Man's toughness, presence, and leadership qualities. The 6'9 Lee was selected 30th in the 2005 draft out of the University of Florida, and this past season as a starter he averaged 13 points, 10 rebounds, shot 53% from the floor and 81% from the stripe. However, his numbers look more impressive per 48 minutes which come out to 17.8 points, 14.8 bounds and 1.12 steals. The Twenty-five year old is the Knicks' best commodity to trade since his contract is not as exorbitant as Zach Randolph's. Zebo is owed about $48 million the next three seasons. David Lee earned only $990,600 last season and is looking for a lucrative extension. If the Knicks want to get under the cap before 2010, then moving Lee now is the perfect time because he has the most value. Before the June 26th NBA draft Lee was rumored as being shipped to the Memphis Grizzlies or Charlotte Bobcats. "A lot of people want to get David Lee," his agent, Mark Bartlestein, told The Record in Bergen , N.J. If Raymond Felton for Lee is still on the table I would do the deal in a New York minute. New Bobcat coach and former Knick coach Larry Brown was high on Lee and the deal would make sense for both teams. The Bobcats selected former Texas Longhorn point guard D.J Augustine with the 9th selection in the NBA draft. The ex-UNC guard is coming off a strong year playing in 79 games averaging 14.4 points, 7.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game. In the 32 games the Bobcats won, Felton dished out close to 9 dimes per game. Number 20 finished the season strong in the final 8 games he recoreded 17 points and close to 10 assists. He is a year younger than Lee and addresses more of a need. If they land Felton they could buy out Stephon Marbury and sign Chris Duhon to a two-year deal. Wouldn't it be ironic to see a former Tar Heel and Blue Devil in the backcourt? A player like Lee is the easiest to replace because of his limited offensive skills. The Knicks could have traded into the second round and selected players like Joey Dorsey, DeAndre Jordan, Patrick Ewing Jr., Darnell Jackson and Deron Washington. All of these players possess different abilities to block shots, rebound, and are athletic. Lee has improved his mid-range jumper and square up but his style of game would not fit in the up-tempo system Mike D'Antoni is bringing over from the high-octane Suns. Lee can not create his own shot, lacks a handle, has few post moves and no fade away jumper. Comparing this to baseball, Yankee centerfielder Melky Cabrera's stock has plummeted with his mediocre offensive production so far, and his trade value was much higher during the off-season when he was rumored in a possible deal for CY Young pitcher Johan Santana. Yes, Lee won the slam dunk contest in college and won the MVP of the Rookie-Sophomore game, but he lacks the versatility of a Boris Diaw or the speed and creativeness of a Shawn Marion. He also does not have the skill set of Mike Dunleavy or Danny Granger, who Donnie Walsh traded for and drafted while he was with the Indiana Pacers. D'Antoni said he would "love" to coach him next season, but admitted Lee is the subject of trade talks. "But again it's the business, it's the future, and we're doing what you can within certain parameters. It's overblown because everyone that calls asks about him because he's the main guy. And it should be a compliment to him. It hasn't happened. I don't expect it to happen. If it did, it would have to be somebody good." The rebuilding process starts now and Walsh needs to get the most value he can for Lee. Two to three years from now the roster should be rid of Isiah's mistakes and the Knicks will be in prime position to land a big time free agent come 2010