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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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Win the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award

Lance Stephenson is a very talented player who appears to be on an upward arc in terms of his play, as well as his personal growth. However, he will likely begin the season as Indiana’s sixth man.

A more tangible goal that will be a challenge to attain, but something potentially within reach is winning the annual Sixth Man of the Year award at season’s end.

Stephenson will most certainly start some games for the Pacers this season, either due to a starter’s injury or because of his own outstanding performance while playing his normal role off the bench.

However, if he is part of the second unit for more than half of the games he plays in, Lance Stephenson will be eligible for this prestigious award — and he has a legitimate shot to contend for Sixth Man of the Year if that happens.

Stephenson fits the profile of a top sixth man candidate: He has starter talent, perhaps even star talent, but thrives in the role of anchoring his team’s second unit.

Next: 15 NBA players looking to shed injury-prone label in 2017-18

Becoming the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year would be a terrific next step in the evolution of Lance Stephenson as he attempts to tap into his vast potential as an NBA player. Perhaps this is the year we will find out if he was truly “Born Ready.”

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