Five NBA Players Who Will Thrive in New Roles This Season
By David Ramil
May 20, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; IIndiana Pacers guard
Lance Stephenson(1) warms up before game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Lance Stephenson
Last Season’s Stats:
78 Games Played
Per Game Averages: 35.3 MIN, 13.8 PTS, 4.6 AST, 7.2 REB
Overall Field Goal Percentage: 49.1 (3-Point Field Goal Percentage: 35.2)
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Swarm and Sting
What’s Changed?
The Indiana Pacers played hardball with Stephenson in this summer’s contract negotiations, and the move backfired. “Born Ready” signed with the Charlotte Hornets and the Pacers lost their second-best player, one who would have filled in well for the injured Paul George. Now, Stephenson joins a solid cast in Charlotte, a team committed to defense but lacking a scoring punch for much of the season…not unlike the Indiana team in which Stephenson thrived last season.
How Does He Respond?
Stephenson’s problems are mental, not physical. He’s certainly gifted but will have to check his attitude at the door. His well-documented immaturity, however, is a thing of the past. Being wanted by the Hornets (not to mention an all-time great like owner Michael Jordan) will have a transformative effect on Stephenson. Second-year coach Steve Clifford will find a way to harness Lance’s many talents (like he did for Josh McRoberts last season) and get him to be a force on both ends of the floor. Stephenson flirted with an All-Star selection last season; this year both he and teammate Al Jefferson will represent the Hornets.