NBA Rumors: Lance Stephenson Expected To Sign With Indiana Pacers

Oct 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Lance Stephenson (5) drives past Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 122-114. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Lance Stephenson (5) drives past Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 122-114. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Rumors: Lance Stephenson, who has battled multiple injuries this season, is expected to sign with the Indiana Pacers for the remainder of the season

UPDATE: 

Per ESPN, Stephenson will sign a three-year, $12 million deal with the Indiana Pacers. The third year is a team option. 

He’s back.

A few years ago, when Lance Stephenson decided to sign with the Charlotte Hornets over the Indiana Pacers in free agency, many criticized him for making the wrong decision.

And they were right.

Since Stephenson left the Pacers in 2014, he hasn’t been the same player. Stephenson, who is coming off stints with the New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves this season, is expected to return to the place that made him a household name – Indiana.

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According to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pacers are finalizing a deal to sign Stephenson. Indiana has an open roster spot after waiving Rodney Stuckey.

"[via The Vertical]The Indiana Pacers are finalizing a multiyear contract with Lance Stephenson after waiving injured guard Rodney Stuckey, league sources told The Vertical.Stuckey, 30, suffered a left patellar strain in Sunday’s win against Philadelphia but is expected to fully recover within a few weeks."

Stephenson was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2010 and ultimately became an everyday starter for the Pacers after his first two seasons in the league. Stephenson was a integral part in the team’s successful runs in the Eastern Conference – one which got them one game away from the NBA Finals – during 2012-14.

At his peak, Stephenson averaged 14 points, five assists and seven rebounds for the Pacers during the 2013-14 season. He also shot 49 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range.

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Question is, does that player still exist? Could Stephenson rediscover that player in the right situation? We’re about to find out. Though, it would be unfair to expect him to be that same player that agitated LeBron James and the Miami Heat on a night-to-night basis.

On the other hand, a new start is just what he needs. And what better place to do it in than Indiana.