After a terrific 2013-14 NBA season, Lance Stephenson floundered terribly. From being a great defensive player and a reliable scoring source, Stephenson was a virtual no-show in the 2014-15 NBA season with the Charlotte Hornets.
Injuries plagued the temperamental guard/forward and once he was given the green light to play, he struggled. From there, the Hornets felt they made a terrible mistake. They did however get a big reprieve when the Clippers showed interest in him, agreeing to a trade and acquiring two players in the process (Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes).
For Clippers fans, the move could be questionable. But for head coach Doc Rivers, it is a gamble which could work both for the Clippers and the Stephenson if he is up to it. The gamble is a pretty hefty one considering the Clippers just slashed $9 million off their salary cap at least for the coming season.
The Clippers can opt not to pick up Stephenson next year if he doesn't pan out.
Rivers believes that the acquisition is an upgrade of sorts. Stephenson is young and has proved to be a tough defender. He is expected to be used as a point guard, shooting guard and a small forward, a flexible option that Rivers will be looking forward to.
However, Stephenson will be coming off the bench meaning the Clippers are not done yet as far as filling up the starting small forward slot vacated by Matt Barnes. Of course, Stephenson can easily slip into the starting position provided he gets himself back in shape. Only Stephenson will know when that time will be.
The Clippers were actually interested in Stephenson even before the February NBA trade deadline. They opted to pass and hoped that by the end of the season, Stephenson would still be in the market. As it turned out, he was available and the Clippers made their move.
The Clippers will be officially introducing Stephenson at a press conference this coming Wednesday at 6 p.m.
