Lance Stephenson ‘surprised’ the Indiana Pacers did not re-sign him
By Sam Richmond
Lance Stephenson was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2010 and spent the first four seasons of his career with the franchise.
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But that was then and this is now. Stephenson signed a three-year contract with the Charlotte Hornets worth $27 million on Friday, cutting ties with the Pacers.
Stephenson, for one, is surprised about him no longer being in Indiana.
From Candace Buckner of the Indianapolis Star:
"“I’m definitely surprised. But I’m happy here. I can definitely help this program. It’s a family here. I’m definitely going to miss Larry Bird. But it’s a business, and I feel like here is more of a family. Lets go get wins.”"
Lance’s comments are certainly interesting when considering that Indiana offered him a very reasonable five-year contract worth $44 million. It would have paid him a couple hundred thousand dollars less annually than his current contract with the Hornets, but Stephenson certainly could have stayed with the Pacers if he really wanted to.
Still, Stephenson seems excited to join the Hornets, as he raved about owner Michael Jordan.
"“He played a big role. He told me what he likes about me, he told me what I need to calm down on. He told me how I can contribute to the team. And he told me he believed in my talent. He likes my competitive edge.”"
Stephenson was fantastic in 2013-14 for Indiana, averaging 13.8 points, 4.6 assists and 7.2 rebounds.