The Historical Outrageousness of David Lee's Contract Demands

After a week surrounding rumors that David Lee may hold out of training camp, memories of a great Knick power forward who once threatened to hold out for a $10 million contract have surfaced and raised some questions. If the Knicks were to cave and give in to David Lee's contract demands, would it prove the speculation that Knicks brass never truly respected Charles Oakley?

The parallel between David Lee and Charles Oakley starts with their tenacious rebounding and abilities to record the double-double. According to NBA.com, Charles Oakley recorded career averages of 9.7 points per game and 9.5 rebounds per game compared to David Lee's 10.9 points per game and 9.0 rebounds per game. These similar statistics were recorded with Oakley playing approximately three minutes per game more than Lee.

Though the statistics look similar, they do not tell the true tale. Oakley achieved his rebounding totals, which in his prime were closer to 11-13 rebounds per game, crashing the boards alongside beasts such as Patrick Ewing, Anthony Mason, and Xavier McDaniel. Lee, on the other hand, has not had the opportunity to team up with many strong rebounders, aside from Zach Randolph, and when he has, his rebounding totals have been effected. Oakley also played a more well-rounded game, grabbing boards after playing hard-nosed defense on one side of the court or helping to facilitate the offense by setting screens on the other. Lee has historically increased his rebounding productivity by boxing out early, often before the play is complete. Finally, David Lee has benefited from playing for offensive-minded teams where more shots have created more missed shots and more available rebounds. Oakley grabbed a half a board per game more than Lee while playing on a team that consistently held opponents under ninety points.

On the offensive side of the court, Lee has shown greater scoring statistics than Oakley, but as previously mentioned, Lee has played on more offensive-minded teams. Oakley also lost touches to Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing while playing for well-coached and successful teams that annually posed the greatest challenge for the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990's. In other words, Oakley was a difference maker on a contender while Lee may have caused a five-game swing for a lottery team.

Defensively, there's no question who was better. Oakley was feared by opponents. He made the All-Defensive 1^st Team in 1993-1994 and was named to the All-Defensive 2^nd team in 1997-1998. Oakley's defense also earned him All-Star honors in 1994. Lee's defense can't be discussed, because we have yet to see him play it.

Lee's contract demands this summer have reportedly called for a multi-year contract worth approximately $10 million per season, and the Knicks have thus far refused to meet his demands. Charles Oakley had to fight for a one-year extension with a balloon payment of $10 million after the 1993-94 season in which he posted 12 points and 12 rebounds per game, made the All-Star team, and helped lead the Knicks to the NBA finals.

To put things in proportion as far as salary is concerned, the $2.2 million that Charles Oakley made in 1994-95 (per www.basketball-reference.com) was approximately 8% of the Knicks total payroll. If David Lee were to be granted a $10 million contract, that would equate to 17% of the salary cap that the Knicks are trying to get under. One could argue that player's salaries were considerably less in Oakley's time, and in the beginning of his career they were, but in the time where Oakley was looking for a pay increase, the floodgates were beginning to open. In 1996-97, Michael Jordan earned $30 million. The $18.5 million that Patrick Ewing made in 1998-99 would be a top ten salary today.

In the end, MSG gave in and Oakley got his $10 million balloon payment for the 1998-99 season, but ultimately the Knicks would never pay it. Oakley was traded to Toronto before his payday ever came. I wonder, if David Lee were to negotiate a multi-year deal with an eight-figure salary, would it sting Oak that he had to cash his $10 million check north of the border?