“Rome was not built in a day.” Like all great things, it took years for the Warriors to become one of the greatest sports dynasties. Obviously, none of it would have been possible without Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. But there were several others alongside them, who were as important if not more in making the journey possible. One of those stars is big man David Lee.

But who is he and how did he go from breaking his arm as a kid to becoming a Bay Area legend and husband of tennis sensation Caroline Wozniacki? While most Dub Nation faithful would already know the answer, let’s dive in for all of you who are curious to know more about his journey.

David Lee early life and college basketball career

Just a year before Michael Jordan got drafted into the league, a future star took his first breath in St. Louis, Missouri on April 29, 1983. Growing up around hoop culture, Lee developed an early interest in the game and joined his middle school basketball team at John Burroughs followed by the high school team at Chaminade College Preparatory School. While he was in his sophomore season at Chaminade, Lee was struck by an unfortunate tragedy which might have paved the way for him to become a great player in the future. Although a natural lefty since childhood, he was forced to play the last four weeks with his weaker hand after he broke his left arm mid-season. And that incident inadvertently turned him into an ambidextrous player, a skill that would come handy throughout his career.

Upon making the McDonald’s All-American game and winning the event’s slam-dunk contest as a High School senior, David joined the University of Florida and spent the next four years representing the Gators. As expected, he became an instant star in college and made the All-SEC Freshman team. Moreover, his big man persona also began shining through as he ranked second among all freshmen in rebounds, field goal percentage and blocks. Sure enough, he only got better from there. By his senior year, Lee had become one of the most dominant college big men, averaging 13.6 points and nine rebounds. Impressed by his talent, Florida’s then coach Billy Donovan even deemed him the best rebounder he had ever coached. As expected, the NBA came calling!

David Lee NBA career and winning maiden Championship with the Warriors

Following a solid run in college, Lee entered his name in the 2005 draft, where he was selected by the Knicks as the final pick of the first round. Then, he slowly began rising up the ranks at the pro level and improved his numbers every season. And it was in his fifth season with the team that drafted him that he got his first All-Star nod by averaging a double-double with 20.2 points and nearly twelve rebounds. Heading into free agency, the Forward caught the Warriors’ attention, who were looking for a massive change in their roster. And he became a part of the team in 2010.

Well, at that point, Lee was added as a veteran to the young team which had a rising star like Steph. And he continued his dominance in the Bay Area and averaged 16.7 points in the five seasons he spent with the team. Moreover, he also made his second All-Star team in 2013 averaging another double-double. Unfortunately, he was struck by the injury bug soon after that season as he tore his right hip flexor during a playoff game followed by a left hamstring injury a year later. Because of the setbacks, he was no longer the star he used to be and turned into a role player.

As his team went on a Finals run in 2015, he remarked, “I’m not going to lie, it’s very frustrating not to play.” Although disappointed from not getting enough playing time, he did fulfil his lifelong dream of winning the championship that year, dawning the beginning of the Warriors dynasty. Soon after the season ended, he got traded to Boston. But he got his moment when Steph handed Lee his ring as the home crowd rose to cheer for the Bay Area legend. “We wanna thank him for all he did for us and our organization and the Bay Area.” Steph said during the ceremony. Dealing with injuries, Lee retired from the league in 2017, playing his final season with the San Antonio Spurs. While his NBA journey was over, the growth in his personal and romantic life was only getting started.

How David Lee met the woman of his dreams Caroline Wozniacki?

While at a dinner party in Miami, Lee met tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. And the two instantly hit it off, having a great conversation throughout the party. Surely, it helped that Lee also used to play tennis as a kid, which might have been the icebreaker between the two. One conversation led to another and the two made their relationship public in 2016. Then, the couple dated for three more years before getting married after Lee proposed to Caroline at a cruise in Bora Bora. And their wedding was a dreamy one as several stars including Serena Williams attended the ceremony. Moreover, the couple even added two new members to the family two years after their wedding as they welcomed their daughter Olivia and son James.

Well, being two world class athletes, the two were frequently spotted at each other’s games supporting their spouse in full glory. With David hanging his boots, his visits to Caroline’s matches became highly frequent as he turned into the loudest cheerleader whenever the former World No. 1 won a point. Even when Caroline announced her retirement from the sport four years ago, her husband was by her side. And when she decided to make a return last year, she was extremely grateful for the support from David, “It would have been easy for him to say, ‘We’re living a great life, we’re chilling, let’s just sit back and enjoy.’ But instead, he was like ‘Go for it, I’m here to support you and we’ll figure it out as a family. We’ll do it together and we’ll have fun doing it.’”

Surely, with Lee’s career earnings of over $92 million and Caroline’s winning totals of over $35 million, there is no shortage of money in their household. But David remains respectful of his wife’s passion as he understands what its like to fall in love with a game and dedicate your entire life to it.

Although it has been seven years since David last played an NBA game, he continues to be an important part of the Warriors’ history and Dub Nation loves and respects him like a true franchise legend. What a career! What a life!