Lance Stephenson is one step closer to playing next season with word that the temperamental forward has agreed to a deal with the New Orleans though his tenure is not final.
With a roster filled with guaranteed contracts, Stephenson will have to prove first that he deserves a roster spot for the coming 2016-17 NBA wars. All that could be decided after training came to see if Stephenson will be good enough to break into the final 15, CBS reported. If Stephenson impresses, the Pelicans will have to waive some player/s or touch part of their guaranteed money to insert the 26-year-old player into the rotation.
Another chance at redemption
With the new lease on life, Stephenson gets another chance to prove his stock. He failed to impress with the Los Angeles Clippers and finished last season with the Memphis Grizzlies.
While he did show glimpses of brilliance with the Grizzlies, but his efforts were not enough to convince management to pick up the $9.5 million contract option he had. He was one of the high-profile free agents available in the market but his attitude and off-court problems have held off several teams from considering him.
The move itself is risky for the Pelicans though all that will depend on head coach Alvin Gentry. He is apparently aware of the distractions that Stephenson has been notorious of so molding him will be a challenge in itself.
Stephenson was once effective, much of which happened when he was with the Indiana Pacers. His misfortunes started when he moved to the Charlotte Hornets, a mixture of injuries and poor play.
Assuming he can pick off from his play with the Grizzlies, Stephenson has the chance to revive his career once again. Failure to do so may push him further to NBA limbo, meaning his career could come to an abrupt end.
