Future of Veteran Guard Lee Catching Fans Eyes
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
Fans of the Korean Basketball League (KBL) are still cooling down after the championship series between the KCC Egis and Samsung Thunders.
But with the season now over, attention has shifted to the future of popular Thunders guard Lee Sang-min.
Lee, who has been first in the KBL All-Star voting for eight consecutive years, will become a free agent this summer. The 36-year-old veteran guard will likely consider two or three teams, including the Thunders, before making his decision.
While the Thunders veteran didn't have a great season, averaging just 5.1 points per game along with 3.8 assists, he did raise his game during the championship series where he averaged 11 points per game.
Lee also brought the fans out of their seats with his clutch shooting at key times.
Lee, a former player with Egis, was claimed by the Thunders two years ago after Egis failed to put Lee on their protected list after the team brought in center Seo Jang-hoon.
Egis fans will hope to see Lee return to his old club, but the Thunders will likely push hard to sign the guard.
``We will do our best to keep Lee. We hope Lee stays with us because we have really good relationship, and Lee also enjoys playing for the Thunders,'' Thunders Deputy General manager Lee Sung-hoon told The Korea Times.
``We have not talked with him yet, but we have a plan to offer around a two-year contract. And the contract will only concern his time as a player not as coach after his retirement. That part can be negotiated in the meeting but it is not our first consideration,'' Lee said.
The general manager also downplayed the decline in Lee's play this season.
``While Lee didn't play like he did during his best years, he still proved his worth as a clutch shooter. And Lee also has the ability to change the mood in the stadium. He's also positive influence on the bench and in locker room, which is something you don't see. That ability is why we want him and it is enough reason to re-sign him,'' Lee said, adding that he expects the dollar amount of the contract to be similar to what the guard earned this season.
The Thunders have Lee's exclusive negotiating rights until May 15, at which time he will be free to negotiate with any time.