Courtney Lee changes his tune in Memphis

MEMPHIS — Courtney Lee was one of the few unhappy players in Brad Stevens’s system. He never got comfortable in the new coach’s offense. He never found a shooting groove and he began to complain about his role early last season.

The Celtics were able to move Lee and the remaining two-plus years on his contract to the Grizzlies for the expiring deal of Jerryd Bayless.

Lee, meanwhile, immediately became a starter, played nearly twice as much in Memphis, and emerged as a staple in the Grizzlies’ offense.

“It was a blessing that I was able to, where everything that I went through there to get out and come to a great situation,” said Lee, who played 30 minutes Friday night against the Celtics despite a stomach virus, scoring 5 points in the Grizzlies’ 117-100 victory. “But I enjoyed my time in Boston, the organization, teammates. Everybody was top notch. It just didn’t work out. I’m happy I’m in a better place.”

Lee was acquired by the Celtics in the summer of 2012 to be the final piece for a title run to replace the departed Ray Allen.

But under coach Doc Rivers, Lee quickly shot his way deep into the bench with a poor start and never quite regained the prowess that garnered him a four-year contract.

Lee also wasn’t pleased when the organization decided to rebuild.

“It was a little different because when you first sign there it’s one team there and you have one goal and that’s to compete for a championship and that didn’t happen,” he said.

“The next year it’s all broken up and things change quickly, but it’s the NBA.”

Lee acknowledges he is more relaxed. He heard the jeers from the Boston faithful who expected Lee to be a more productive and more athletic replacement for Allen.

“Every situation is different for different players,” Lee said. “Brad had a system, there was more of pick-and-roll, stretch 4’s shooting the 3.

“Here is more move the ball, get it down low, share the ball and play with each other. Just a different system that works for different people.”

Stevens is impressed with Lee’s production. “Courtney’s found a great spot and he plays a really good role,” he said.

No ill will

Vince Carter discussed the Grizzlies’ virus breakout and how the 37-year-old has remained unaffected. He attributed his good health to some savvy tricks.

“I brought my mask, I just didn’t bring it out to [shootaround] because I didn’t think I’d be able to breathe,” he said. “I have my mask back there. We want everybody to be smart about it. Hand sanitizer is now floating everywhere in the locker room, washing hands. That’s why my hands are back here [behind my back] because I don’t want you to see how ashy my hands are from washing them so much.’’

“You take all precautions. You want to keep as many guys as healthy as possible. I’ve actually been through this before in Dallas, we had a lot of guys sick. I used to have guys laugh at me, ‘he takes a bath in the sanitizer,’ where the old guy is still kicking. Now I just added the mask to my repertoire.”

Former Celtic Tony Allen and swingman Quincy Pondexter did not play Friday because of the stomach virus.