David Lee Says He’s Completely Healthy

Golden State Warriors forward David Lee made a surprise return to the court in the Playoffs when it had been assumed his season was over due to a hip injury. He’s evidently healthy now, and Lee says that he’s in the best shape of his career. Per the Contra Costa Times: “I feel no ill effects whatsoever,’ Lee said after working out at the team’s downtown facility. ‘I actually feel a lot better moving around than I did even last year at this time.’ For the second consecutive offseason, Lee and point guard Stephen Curry have rounded up most of their teammates to come back to Oakland early to work out together. They began Tuesday, and so far 10 players have shown up. Lee, entering his ninth NBA season, already looks like he’s in midseason form. In the process of rehabilitation, Lee said he shed 5 percent of his body fat. He said his core is as strong as ever, which he playfully evidenced by revealing his ripped abs. Lee tore his right hip flexor in Game 1 of the opening-round playoff series against Denver — his first-ever postseason appearance. He was expected to miss the remainder of the postseason but wound up returning for limited action. […] Coach Mark Jackson called it a miracle. In hindsight, that seems even closer to reality. The initial medical opinions were that Lee didn’t need surgery. After multiple opinions, he decided to go under the knife. ‘When they went in,’ Lee said, ‘it was a situation where they were like, ‘Yes, you absolutely needed surgery.’ This wasn’t a gray area. The muscle was completely torn off the bone and frayed.'”