NBA Rumors: Larry Bird, Indiana Pacers want Lance Stephenson back
Although he ran into trouble both on and off of the court last season, Indiana Pacers’ guard Lance Stephenson wants to return to the Pacers.
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Stephenson, however, is set to become an unrestricted free agents. Despite the problems he has had, he is extremely talented and should have plenty of suitors in free agency.
According to Scott Agness, Pacers’ president Larry Bird just talked to Stephenson and regrets not doing so earlier, but wants Stephenson back.
Bird said he hasn’t even talked with Lance’s people. Finally spoke with Lance this morning about the season.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 27, 2014
Bird on Stephenson: “If we do bring him back, I made it pretty clear what we expect."
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 27, 2014
Bird calls it a mistake on his part not getting involved with Stephenson as much. He tried to stay way. Regrets it now.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 27, 2014
Bird on Lance: "I know wants to be here. He needs to be paid like everybody else has been paid.” Said it must be a very fair contract.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 27, 2014
Bird: "Lance wants to be here, there’s no question about it. … So now it’s just getting the terms right and try to get him back."
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 27, 2014
Stephenson averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game this season while shooting 49.1% from the field, 35.2% from beyond the arc and 71.1% from the free throw line in the regular season. In the postseason, he put up 13.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He shot 45.5% from the field, 35.8% from three and 71.4% from the charity stripe.