In what world is David Lee a Center? don't know why people keep saying that .....
Because that's the sad state of today's NBA.
Paul Pierce was a Power Forward in Brooklyn.
*shrugs*
As others have pointed out, center and power forward designations are basically meaningless on this team. Even Tyler Zeller--our apparent only true center--isn't a shot blocking threat. So what makes David Lee all that different?
And how about this for a bold prediction? David Lee could prove to be every bit as valuable to the C's as Greg Monroe would have been, without the huge financial commitment.
Zyler Zeller has averaged >1.1 block per 36 every season he's been in the league so far, he's 7'0" tall and he has a 7'0" wingspan.
David Lee has averaged 0.4 blocks per 36 over his career, he's 6'9" tall and has a 7'0" wingspan.
It may be true that neither of these guys is your prototypical rim protector, but that doesn't mean that they are on the same level as a rim protector. If I have a guy driving the lane for a layup, I feel much more comfortable with Zeller in the middle rather than Lee...\
Also Lee is not on the level of Monroe. Not right now, and to be honest not sure if he ever was. Monroe's size gives an intangible benefit that you just can't ignore.