Super-Overreactionizer: Lions and Pacers and Thunder, Oh my

Lance Now, Cry Later

by Dane Carbaugh (@danecarbaugh)

Larry Bird told ESPN on Monday that he wants Lance Stephenson back, but at the right price. With the Pacers looking at cap space from anywhere from $8-12 million under the luxury threshold, taking care of one of their best players should be a no-brainer. Right?

Stephenson was maligned for his actions in the Eastern Conference Finals, which included a meme-inducing blow into LeBron James’ ear and a couple loving face-taps to Heat players. His play dwindled in the series against the Miami as the games wore on, with Bird publicly chastising the star guard’s extracurricular activities. But one series does not make or break a player.

Throughout the season, Stephenson was a relative constant as the Pacers slowly imploded. Perhaps it’s that the four-year guard is not yet a superstar, or that his role in Indiana’s offense largely included sets where he handled the ball and dished out assists rather than acting as a primary scorer. Whatever it was, Stephenson’s peaks and valleys were far less pronounced than they were for his teammates, including in their series against the Heat.

That’s put Bird and Donnie Walsh in a tough spot as they consider what the market for the young shooting guard is heading into free agency this summer. Consistency is something the Pacers organization strives for, and with Frank Vogel’s offense, the dynamism Stephenson provides is incredibly important. His value will almost certainly override his transgressions, even if they were on the most important stage.

With the Pacers were flailing around him, Stephenson did what he could. Miami found a way to limit him in Games 5 and 6, and the 23-year-old did the only thing he could think of — lash out. Stephenson slapped LeBron in the face, clotheslined Norris Cole and whispered sweet nothings into the ear of the greatest player on the planet. At the very least, everyone on the floor knew he wanted to win. Stephenson has the kind of attitude that can galvanize a fan base — both for and against him. He is undoubtedly someone fans can get behind, even if it’s only to push him off a cliff.

There are many factors that go into re-signing a player. Like Bird himself, Stephenson seems to have a competitive drive that cannot be taught. Can it be contained? Focused? Improved? Whomever signs him will likely be taking a $10 million gamble on to answer yes. God save the city of Indianapolis if the Pacers don’t offer Stephenson market value. That decision might haunt them longer than their late-season collapse in 2014.