A Shining Star: Damion Lee’s Fading Role Can’t Eclipse His Bright Legacy with…
When Phoenix Suns fans hear Damion Lee, they think of the 2022 season. Unfortunately, Damion Lee’s experience has been one wild ride for Suns fans. Lee first signed with the team in the summer of 2022. They agreed to a one-year $2 million deal in which both sides got something they sought after. Lee was looking for an expanded role on a competing team.
The season prior, he had just won the NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors. The Suns were looking for more championship-experienced players on the wings. The Suns wanted to stay competing in the West after their disappointing collapse to the Dallas Mavericks the year prior. Following the previous year, expectations were high in Phoenix for Lee.
Lee’s Introduction to Phoenix
In Lee’s first season with the team, he provided exactly what the Suns required. In the season debut, he came up huge for the Suns, tallying 11 points alongside 2 rebounds and assists, while also sinking the game-winner.
Damion also notched his career high in points this season while coming off the bench. In that unfortunate loss, he totaled 31 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sadly for the Suns, this team (and like ours now) was plagued with injuries, and the season ended once again short of the finals.
Lee was then resigned to a two-year deal, including a player option in the 2024 summer. He was once again expected to be one of the more impactful pieces off the bench. Sadly, he has yet to get back out to play for him and the Suns due to injuries.
Injuries…
Lee suffered a right meniscus injury last summer in training camp that required surgery. This kept him out all last year, which was frustrating for both parties involved. The Suns were a limited team, who could only make veteran minimum signings due to the trade for Bradley Beal and being a second-apron team. Lee was supposed to be one of those x-factors off the bench to help the second unit.
