Lee Thriving in Game-Changing Role

Melbourne United big man Marcus Lee has shown massive improvements in his small amount of time at the club, and Saturday’s game against the JackJumpers cemented his status as a game-changer off the bench for the side.

Lee scored 22 points and pulled in 10 boards in Melbourne's seven-point win over Tasmania. A result United desperately needed to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Lee was forced to play almost the entirety of the second half in Saturday's game due to an injury suffered by fellow centre Isaac Humphries, and Dean Vickerman praised the import for his efforts.

“He’s been massive for us and today was a massive one when we needed him as well,” Vickerman said.

“Marcus Lee was massive for us tonight [and] played most of the second half.

“His offensive ratings are off the chart with his efficiency. He fits into our team so well and our culture.”

A pre-season injury to Ariel Hukporti paved the way for Lee to arrive mid-season, and he embraced the opportunity to step up in the second-half absence of Humphries.

“There’s always going to be that moment where you’re going to have to give a little bit extra, and our team really did that today,” Lee said.

The friendship between Lee and Humphries harks back to their college days, where they represented the Kentucky Wildcats together. A friendship that's only grown during their time in Melbourne.

“He has a great relationship with Isaac, he just has a joy about the way he plays. It’s fun, he enjoys it, and we understand what he offers us and how he runs on the rim when he wants it, and our passing is getting better at finding him,” Vickerman said.

“He’s become a really good passer out of aggressing coverage to find people as well.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">MP ?? M Lee <br><br>? ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel <a href="https://t.co/HgIUKqGiuP">pic.twitter.com/HgIUKqGiuP</a></p>&mdash; Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelbUnited/status/1611640590206390274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Since linking up with United in November Lee has averaged 9.7 points and 7.3 rebounds.

While building chemistry with his teammates was difficult due to his mid-season arrival, Lee has emphasised he's enjoying playing in Melbourne and has praised the players and staff for sharing a strong bond.

“I play better when I’m having fun and enjoying each moment on the court,” Lee said.

“Here it is so easy to do that, you have guys around us and coaches around us that allows you to enjoy what you’re doing, and they just lift you up through energy and I just pass it back to them.

“It’s extremely enjoyable, we’re having fun each and every day but also demanding so much of each other.”

United play the second placed New Zealand Breakers on Thursday night at 5:30pm AEDT.