Indiana Pacers: 5 goals for Lance Stephenson in 2017-18

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 23: Lance Stephenson #6 of the Indiana Pacers looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 23, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 106-102 to sweep the series 4-0. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images /

5. Get into prime playing condition

Lance Stephenson played well in his short stint with the Pacers last season, but he did so while attempting to play himself into game shape.

Stephenson spent much of the 2016-17 campaign dealing with assorted injuries, and he was also unemployed for a good portion of the year.

By the time he rejoined the Indiana Pacers, he was not in good physical condition by NBA standards — he was a little overweight and his cardio was not up to par.

Despite those deficiencies, Stephenson had an outstanding playoff series against Cleveland, posting 16.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. His shooting splits of .509/.389/.750 in that series were equally impressive.

Injuries and inactivity caused Lance Stephenson to lose his conditioning last year, but that can’t continue as he and the team enter training camp in a few weeks.

Reports indicate that he has been working hard this summer and is in excellent shape — and that will need to carry over into the regular season if Stephenson is to fulfill his potential as an impact player for Indiana in 2017-18.

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