KNICKS' LEE ENJOYING TIME WITH TEAM USA

August 17, 2007 -- On his first day in Las Vegas Wednesday as a member of Team USA's practice squad, Knicks forward David Lee heard the words he wanted to hear: he's being considered for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team.

Team USA CEO Jerry Colangelo spoke to the newly created band of young guns scrimmaging against Team USA, which will compete next week in the Olympic qualifier in Sin City.

"They told us we're in the pipeline for the future Olympics," Lee told The Post yesterday in a phone interview from Vegas. "Playing in the Olympics, that would be priceless. But just to be in the loop is a great honor. I'm gaining experience against these guys this week and earning respect from them. So far it's been fun. But it was nerve wracking going in there looking at all those names, like an All-Star Game."

Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski singled Lee out during an initial talk.

"The first day Coach K and Colangelo talked about putting together a team, not necessarily the best players in the league, not the best scorers," Lee said. "It's not like that anymore. They're trying to do a team filling holes."

According to Lee, Krzyzewski pointed to the forward's rebounding ability and said, "We want one of the best offensive rebounders in the league on this team."

"I'm here to be a rebounder and lead the defense, the same reason I get playing time with the Knicks," Lee said.

In the first scrimmage against the Olympic stars Wednesday, the youngsters upset Team A, which featured Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd and Amare Stoudamire.

"We're simulating what other teams will do, so we packed in a zone and forced them to shoot outside," Lee said. "You can't guard Kobe and LeBron off the dribble, so it's the only way to be successful."

Lee, who missed the final 23 games with a mysterious stress reaction in his right leg, said he's feeling sore, but his injury has healed.

"I have muscle soreness from both legs because I had so much time off, but the injury itself is feeling normally," he said. "I have a good bounce in my step."

source : nypost.com