After becoming an integral part of the Indiana Pacers, Lance Stephenson has finally decided to part ways with the team that he has spent the first four years of his NBA career with when he agreed to a deal with Michael Jordan's Charlotte Hornets for 3 years worth $27 million.
Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer first reported Stephenson's signing to the Hornets.
The Charlotte Hornets will sign Lance Stephenson to a 3-year contract, the last season a team option, the Observer has learned. Under terms of the deal Stephenson will make $9 million next season and in 2015-16, with a slight raise in the 2016-17 team option.
Its important to note that the Indiana Pacers previously offered Stephenson a 5 year, $44 million dollar deal - something that Herb Simon felt should have been enough to keep him with the Pacers per Bonnell: "We made him a wonderful offer and they didn't think it was enough, so it's a simple situation." Stephenson, however, felt that Indian was "low-balling" him with the offer.
Stephenson averaged a career high 13.8 points, 4.6 assists and 7.2 rebounds for the Indian Pacers last season an indication that the 23-year-old has improved his game. He also led the league in triple doubles last season and was playing great basketball that everyone felt that he deserved All-Star honors.
His significantly improved season stats couples with an excellent post season outing, made Stephenson a hot commodity this summer in the 2014 NBA Free Agency as what Mike Hill of Fox Sports points out:
"After watching Josh McRoberts sign with the Miami Heat and missing out on restricted free agent Gordon Hayward, the Hornets needed offense. They needed it badly."
The Charlotte hornets were impressive defensively last season, finishing fifth in defensive efficiency. Their offense, however, not so much. Their offense was stagnant and the ball tended to stick in the hands of Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson, most of the time - the Hornets offense ranked in the bottom seven of efficiency.
Stephenson gives the Charlotte another option in offense as he can create his own shots and make plays for his teammates. His three point percentage has also risen steadily through the years and if he continues the trend, the Hornets will have a versatile offensive threat in Lance Stephenson.
Their were only 4 players who averaged at least 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game last season. Stephenson was one of these 4 players together with Nicolas Batum, Kevin Durant and Kevin Love.
Overall, this appears like a good signing for Charlotte, on paper at least. Stephenson is a two way player meaning the Hornets will be able to both benefit from his offense without sacrificing defense.
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