It may seem like it’s been around forever, but I think best Lance can still make her dance. Free Agent Guard Lance Stephenson, still only 30 years old (surprising, isn’t it?) private training on Friday, after Chris Haynes.
Free Agent Guard Lance Stephenson will hold private training in front of NBA staff this morning in Las Vegas, with representatives from Milwaukee, Denver, Philadelphia and Brooklyn among expected attendees, league sources report @YahooSports.
– Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 13, 2021
Stephenson averaged 26.7 points per game with the Flying Leopards in the Chinese Basketball Association last year – he clearly hasn’t lost his game. With several competing teams allegedly participating, let’s rank the top 5 contenders for Lance’s talents.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
The general perception of Lance Stephenson’s 2018-2019 season with the Lakers is that it was a mess filled with more embarrassing slip-ups than high-level production. On closer inspection, however, Lance was certainly not to blame for the Lakers’ suffering. Stephenson shot 37.1% from the outside of the bow and 47.2% from the inside, both of which were better than the league average, and he proved to be a decent addition to a roster that was created for Lebron James‘First year in Hollywood. Although James was the only All-Star, the team was drawn up as a foursome in a competitive Western Conference until he went down with an injury. James, as the one who originally recruited Stephenson at the time, clearly believes that Stephenson’s play brings something unique and valuable (and funny) to the table.
4. Milwaukee Bucks
Lance is an interesting addition to the Bucks as his lack of athleticism and defensive skills combined with his ball-dominating scoring style contrasts with the Bucks’ modern game which is only geared towards efficiency – spot-up threesomes, high percentage shots on the basket and length on the defensive end. But since the offense of the second unit of the Bucks last year seemed a bit lethargic at times, and most of all struggled to maintain the lead when neither Giannis Antetokounmpo or Khris Middleton was on the floor, a guy like Lance could always help offend immediately.
3. Brooklyn Networks
The Nets seem an odd fit for Lance as the scoring is already their calling card. But I would like to see its fit with the Nets in a similar light to many Views Russell Westbrook‘s move to the Lakers. His ability to ease the offensive during regular season games can take the pressure off Brooklyn’s Big 3 and allow the Nets Superstars to score a greater brunt of goals in the playoffs when the games mean more and health is often the most important factor is win. Brooklyn has been ravaged with injuries throughout last season so they could use the help. Giving Stephenson more goal responsibility in their load management games could be a recipe for success.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
With Ben Simmons likely to be leaving Philly soon, it is necessary to look at the potential lineup for the Sixers in the upcoming campaign. In the event that he’s gone, the Sixers need a scoring complement for Tyrese Maxey in the second session. Lance averaged nearly 16 points in efficient shooting in his final season in the NBA and scored more than one steal per 36 minutes, a decent number of games each season.
1. Denver nuggets
Denver’s three-headed monster at the point guard with Jamal Murray, Facundo Campazzo and Monte Morris is certainly a great representation of depth, but on its own it still lacks the necessary scoring punch to dominate against both start and second units. While it’s a bit unfair to judge last year’s playoffs since Murray was injured, it was clear that the Nuggets guards were struggling to keep up with even the Sun’s second unit. Much like Torrey Craig sometimes gives an instant life plug to the Suns offensive, Stephenson could give Morris the blow to keep the Nuggets’ foot on the gas when Denver’s formidable starting line-up needs a break.
Although Lance Stephenson is an eccentric personality who creates drama, it is clear that he still has a lot left in the tank.
