Lee turning a corner along with team
Warriors’ guard stayed positive and overcame many obstacles
Damion Lee wholly appreciates every moment on the basketball court. Not just the good moments that come with winning. But the bad moments, too. Such as partaking in a 20point loss.
After all, any moment playing hoops is a moment away from the operating table or recovery room or rehab facility.
Rising above the long list of tough breaks he has endured in his career, Lee worked his way into the Warriors’ lineup and emerged as a big reason they’re enjoying their best stretch of the season.
“It’s fun,” the 27yearold guard said, “just having guys who believe in me and my abilities, whether it’s offensive or defensive or whatever, and going out there and just trying to have fun. I try to enjoy the good and the bad as well.”
Saturday night’s 141121 loss to Dallas ended the Warriors’ winning streak at four games. Considering they had won just five games before the surge, none of them back to back, shows they’ve come a long way since their 524 start.
The run somewhat coincides with Lee cracking the lineup. His first two starts after his recovery from a broken right hand were losses to the Kings and Trail Blazers, and then the Warriors reversed course during a fivegame homestand and beat the Pelicans, Timberwolves, Rockets and Suns.
Lee averaged 18 points and 9.3 rebounds during the streak while hitting 50% of his 3point attempts, and he added another 18 and 12 in Saturday’s loss. While D’Angelo Russell was ridiculously hot in the first half, scoring 30 points, Lee was in the shadows hitting all three shots from the arc.
“Everything I’ve gone through has helped me get to where I am now,” Lee said, “and I’m thankful for everyone who’s been there along the way. I’m just blessed to be able to impact the world in a positive way.”
Lee’s journey to this point in his career is a lesson of resilience, dedication and hard work. Commendably, he tries to frame it as inspiration for others. Twice he has broken his shooting hand, and twice he has torn anterior cruciate ligaments in his knees.
The setbacks make Lee further appreciate the opportunity he’s getting with the Warriors.
“I just try to live every day with a positive mindset and outlook,” Lee said, “and be grateful for every position I’m ever in while trying to help whoever I can and spread some light, spread some positivity.”
Lee’s first major stumbling block came in November 2013 at Drexel when he tore his right ACL on a move to the basket. Then came his first hand fracture the following season, in February 2015.
Transferring to Louisville for his final year of eligibility, Lee stayed healthy but still hit an obstacle when the university selfimposed a postseason ban amid a probe into a recruiting scandal. The decision denied Lee a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament.
Going undrafted, Lee hooked up with the Celtics’ DLeague team, the Maine Red Claws, but tore his left ACL in December 2016.
Most recently, he broke a bone in his hand Nov. 11.
The toughest injury, in retrospect, was the first.
“Yeah, it was new, but I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason,” said Lee, adding his faith helped guide him through tough times.
Shortly before he signed with the Warriors in July 2018, Lee told his story in a firstperson essay in the Players’
Tribune. It was titled “No White Flags,” and he has heard from others that his words were an inspiration.
“We’re in the realm of sports, but you can swap it, you can associate it with whatever you’re going through in life,” Lee said. “I just want people to know that. No matter what you’re going through, you can change your mindset, you can change your outlook, you can change the world that’s around you. You don’t have to succumb.”
All the down time has strengthened Lee’s game, he said, especially with his basketball IQ. He used the time to study video of some of the top players and work on new moves and new ways to score.
The results are noticeable, and Lee has a good chance of sticking on the team. He’s closing in on the 45 days allotted as part of his twoway contract, but it wouldn’t be shocking if the Warriors made another roster move to keep Lee aboard longterm.
“He’s in the right spot all the time and always is anticipating plays,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s an excellent shooter and a smart player and great teammate. He’s somebody we’d love to have stick around.”