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

By Adrian Lawhorn

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)
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
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images /

3. Show more consistency on the court

Lance Stephenson has never had trouble producing highlight-reel plays during his years in the NBA, but at this point in his career he must develop more consistency if he is to take the next step and become a major contributor.

Stephenson has talent and skill in abundance, but it seems that for every great play he makes, he makes silly errors or poor decisions that serve to devalue the good things he does on the basketball floor.

He’s a terrific ball handler, especially for a man his size (6’5″, 230 pounds). However, he can be erratic and try to make very difficult moves or passes that often result in turnovers.

Stephenson is a good defensive player when he is locked in, but his effort and focus on that end of the court is not always there. He can also get hot as an outside shooter, but he goes through too many cold spells in the times in between.

The good news is that Lance Stephenson appears to be improving his consistency based on his solid performance at the end of last season following his return to the Pacers.

It is crucial for Stephenson to continue this trend of making impact plays while also cutting down on mistakes — his ceiling as an NBA prospect will be quite high if he can accomplish that goal.

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