Fansided

Miami Heat Free Agency: Eric Bledsoe among potential targets

By Seth Partnow

Apr 11, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) dunks over San Antonio Spurs forward Marco Belinelli (3) during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 112-104. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) dunks over San Antonio Spurs forward Marco Belinelli (3) during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 112-104. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 30, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) reacts during the second half in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) reacts during the second half in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Lance Stephenson

A controversial figure around the league and especially in Miami following some of his gamesmanship in the Eastern Conference finals, Stephenson might be a better bet for Miami simply because he’s an unrestricted free agent. If Lance and the Heat can agree terms, Indiana will not have the opportunity to match.

to this point in his career, Stephenson, is a player who’s reputation has outstripped his achievement. He played a total of 557 minutes his first two years in the league and even though he’s started 150 over the last two years, he has never posted even an average PER for a season. Much of the “all-star snub” talk this year was misguided. Further, Stephenson’s checkered past is a worry. Four years into his professional life this might not matter, but how would he fare in Miami instead of the protective confine of Indianapolis?

Thus, a big offer to Stephenson is shrouded in risk. But if Miami is looking for potential building block stars, he might be worth that risk.