In a sense, David Lee wins this accolade the way Carl Lewis won the gold in the 100-meter dash at the 1988 Olympics: Monta Ellis was the Warriors' best player this year, but as he is no longer eligible, the prize goes to the next guy. No shame in this, though. Lee put together the best season of his career in 2011-12, notching a consistent 16 and 10. While he probably should have snatched more double-doubles, he also should have touched the ball in the low post on more possessions. Every night Lee brought the kind of hard-nose, hustle-heavy, drama-light game Mark Jackson envisions for his team. Over the past five years, anointed names have come and gone — Jason Richardson, Baron Davis, Ellis. And even going into next season, Lee will take third billing. But with presumed franchise-player Stephen Curry battling nagging injuries, and new star Andrew Bogut still waiting in the wings, David Lee has established himself as Golden State's premier force.