Charlotte Hornets: Buyer’s Remorse with Lance Stephenson
In July of 2014, the Charlotte Hornets took a serious gamble when they signed Lance Stephenson to a three-year deal worth $27 million. This comes after Stephenson, 24, led the NBA in triple-doubles during the 2013-14 season.
Less than two months into 2014-15, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports is reporting that the Hornets are experiencing buyer’s remorse.
Charlotte, Indiana had preliminary conversations on possible return of Lance Stephenson, but talks haven't gone far, sources tell Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 14, 2014
Stephenson played for the Indiana Pacers from 2010 to 2014. In order to take him back, however, the Pacers are asking Charlotte to up the ante.
Thus far, that hasn’t happened.
So far, Charlotte's been unwilling to attach a first-round pick to unload Stephenson. That could've kick-started conversation with Pacers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 14, 2014
Indiana isn’t ready to bite, but there are other teams with interest: the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.
After brief contact w/ Hornets, Nets and Clippers researching Stephenson's time in Charlotte, but yet to show serious interest, sources say.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 14, 2014
The likelihood of a trade is unclear, but Stephenson’s name value commands interest.
Through 23 games, Stephenson is averaging 10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 0.7 steals in 33.4 minutes per game. He’s shooting 38.9 percent from the field, 16.7 percent from beyond the arc and 65.3 percent from the free throw line.
As had been projected, well-rounded production is meeting wild inefficiency.
There’s no question that Stephenson is capable of stuffing the stat sheet, but his shot selection and discipline have always come into question. With Charlotte opening the season at 6-17, the finger-pointing has landed on the most recent high-profile acquisition.
Fair or foul, that tends to be the trend in the NBA.
As Charlotte prepares for a resurgence, it’s looking to give franchise center Al Jefferson and star point guard Kemba Walker the proper supporting cast. Even without the necessary aid, that duo has proven effective.
During the 2013-14 season, the trio of Jefferson, Walker and head coach Steve Clifford led the Hornets to a 43-39 record. It was Charlotte’s first season above .500 since 2009-10.
Should the Hornets continue to lose, the trade rumors will grow louder. At the heart of those talks will be Stephenson, who was supposed to be the driving force behind an improvement—an experiment that has backfired early.
Whether premature or appropriate, Charlotte is experiencing buyer’s remorse with Lance Stephenson.