OAKLAND -- Warriors power forward David Lee, who has missed nine of the team's first 10 games, is scheduled to be re-evaluated Thursday, after which the medical staff will update his status.
Lee sustained a strained hamstring in the Oct. 24 preseason finale. He was sidelined until Nov. 5, when he returned and played seven minutes off the bench against the Clippers. The two-time All-Star aggravated the injury that night and has remained out of action ever since.
He is getting closer, though he likely will miss the game against Utah on Friday. Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that Lee participated in some light non-contract drills on Wednesday and that "he's progressing."
Asked about Lee's role when he does return, Kerr said that has not been determined. The coach made it clear he believes the incumbent starter and the team's highest-paid player will make the Warriors better.
"It only helps us," Kerr said. "We got six minutes of David against the Clippers and I think we were a plus-8 while he was on the floor. We miss his scoring. We miss his low post threat. We're different without him."
Draymond Green, in his third season, has started all 10 games at power forward.
