Portland Trail Blazers: 5 potential targets in 2019 NBA free agency
By Ty Delbridge
2. Lance Stephenson
It might come as a surprise to some, but Lance Stephenson is a good option and fills some needs for the Blazers. He is a 6’6”, 230-pound guard that plays tough defense, can handle the ball, score in a variety of ways and is a competent shooter. He has played alongside guys like Paul George and LeBron James and in some big playoff games throughout his career.
Stephenson has a unique personality and intense playing style that some might be bothered by. However, this is a tight Blazers locker room, and Damian Lillard is the type of person/leader that could get him to buy into their culture. His best years came playing for the Indiana Pacers, and after being in Los Angeles last season, he might like playing in a smaller market again.
Stephenson could play both guard spots and even small forward in some lineups. Portland liked to use Evan Turner because of his defense and size on offense as a playmaker. Stephenson could fill in on both ends and might even fit in better on offense because of his ability to shoot the 3-point shot consistently.
Stephenson could get one- or two-year contract offer from the Blazers worth the entire mid-level exception. There is no telling what the market will be for him and the last team he played for, the Los Angeles Lakers, might want to keep him around. However, he is a talented player, and Portland should at least kick the tires on signing him.