Lance Stephenson was practically absent last season, struggling and seemingly in search of his old fiery self. The Los Angeles Clippers are taking a big chance on Stephenson but it looks like with the right screws hinged properly, Stephenson can be the useful player that he once was with the Indiana Pacers.
Stephenson had hoped to bring his fiery act with the Charlotte Hornets but such was never felt. He was lost in the rotation and after the last season ended, the Hornets decided it would be best to move Stephenson rather than see their investment go to waste.
Stephenson is set to make $9 million this coming season and an additional $9.405 million for the 2016–17 period if the Clippers decide to keep him. But for that to happen, Stephenson will have to earn his keep.
His performance is best seen on the hardwood and although it wasn't the NBA setting, Stephenson showed everyone that he still has it when it comes to playing ball.
This has to do with Stephenson's impromptu suit up in a game held at Brooklyn's Gersh Park where he was on hand to support a neighborhood team composed of college players as well as some other aspirant ballers taking aim at a professional career.
After being egged on, Stephenson helped the squad erase a nine-point deficit in just 12 minutes. Among the highlights of his game was his stroke from beyond the arc, something that the Clippers will surely get a big boost from. Stephenson ended with 25 points for that game.
Although many may downplay the feat, the fact remains that Stephenson has to do the same thing for the Clippers but off the bench. He is expected to play small forward and probably ending up spelling Paul Pierce once the NBA season opens this coming October.
So is Stephenson ready? He seems to think so.
With Stephenson expected to come off the bench and lead the second unit, a lot will hinge on how healthy and fired up he is when he gets the chance to troop the floor on a Clippers jersey. Doc Rivers is counting on Stephenson to deliver the needed stuff, mostly the intangibles tied up with defense and hustle.
