Lance Stephenson was lost somewhere in the previous NBA season, much of which is tied up with the injuries he had to endure.
After a remarkable season with the Pacers, the Charlotte Hornets thought they had won the lottery, snagging a versatile swingman who can provide the toughness the Hornets sorely lacked.
What happened was the opposite. The Hornets hardly felt Stephenson and eventually traded him to the Los Angeles Clippers for Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes. Rather than the acquisition of new players, it was more of reliving themselves of a hefty salary that Stephenson carried ($18 million), one that is now in the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Of course the Clippers are only obligated to pay half of Stephenson's remaining salary ($9 million) and choose not to pick it up if he doesn't prove worthy.
In all, it is a risk on the end of the Clippers but something that should be worth taking. Hence, everything would hinge on how Stephenson performs next season.
The temperamental swingman is however not pressured to get back on track right away. He will be coming off the bench and the starting small forward position will likely be filled up by someone else. Word has it that Paul Pierce could be joining the Clips, giving him the chance to reunite with his old mentor Doc Rivers.
But Stephenson's rise will depend on how fast he can cope up with Rivers' system and get himself back in top shape. Presumably better after a year filled with injuries, synching himself will certainly be something pivotal.
Expected from him is his defense and timely offensive contribution, two things he used to give the Indiana Pacers. If everything falls into place, Stephenson can help the Clippers big time and such should be a win-win situation for the Clippers and the Stephenson.
Together, the Clippers and the Stephenson can mature. But a large part of that will fall on Stephenson's shoulders. Will it work? We shall see once the2015-16 NBA season unfolds.
