It’s been a rough season for Lance Stephenson in his first year with the Hornets, but that doesn’t mean he regrets choosing to sign with Charlotte as a free agent last summer.
From the Associated Press:Lance Stephenson doesn’t regret his decision to sign with the Hornets as a free agent, even though this season has been a huge struggle for the five-year NBA veteran.
Not at all,” Stephenson said. “I love this system. I love my coaches. I love my teammates. Some people come into systems and fit right in. Some people it takes time. I feel like with me, I’m going to take time.” ...
“I think the biggest thing for him is he’s 23 and this is the first time he’s gone somewhere different,” Hornets head coach Steve Clifford said. “He’s played for the same team and same coach for four years with the same basic offensive and defensive structure.”
The Pacers made a five-year, $44 million offer to Stephenson in hopes that he’d stay, but he took a contract with the Hornets that’s only guaranteed for $18 million over two years, with a team option for a third season.
Stephenson was not only choosing more money on a per-year basis in Charlotte, he was betting on himself to play his way into a more lucrative deal once this current contract was finished.
He’d have to actually play, though, in order for that to happen.
If Stephenson can remain positive even after the disastrous turn his career has taken this season, that would certainly be a good sign. He has the talent to be a key player on a very good team, even if his skill set isn’t one that has him ready to be a star just yet.