By Nina Mandell
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — New York Knicks fans, who have had to endure one losing season after another for almost a decade, finally have something to cheer about.
Center David Lee was named as a reserve for the Eastern Conference team at the NBA All-Star game by commissioner David Stern on Thursday, marking the first time New York will have a representitive in the annual basketball showcase since 2001.
The Knicks have a dismal 19-32 record and lost one game by 50 points last month, but now their fans can root for Lee in Sunday's game in Dallas after he replaced 76ers guard Allen Iverson, who backed out because of personal reasons.
"It is a great honor for David and the franchise,"' team president Donnie Walsh told the New York Post. "I hope he enjoys it. He deserves it and all New York is happy and proud."'
Lee is the first Knicks player to make an All-Star team since Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston were named to the roster in 2001.
He leads the Knicks in scoring (20 ppg) and rebounding (11.4 rpg). The first-time All-Star is fifth in the NBA with 30 double-doubles this season.
Lee will join teammates Danilo Gallinari and Nate Robinson in Dallas this weekend for the All-Star game festivities. Gallinari will participate in Saturday's 3-point contest and Robinson will be wowing the crowds in the slam dunk contest.
Robinson has won the dunk contest twice and is the defending champion. Gallinari is the first Knicks player entered in the 3-point contest since Allan Houston participated in 2001. No Knicks player has ever won the contest.
Meanwhile, Walsh is reportedly looking to improve the team's roster before next Thursday's trading deadline.
The Knicks reportedly are pursuing oft-injured Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady. The Daily News reported Friday they are also interested in Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas.
