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Lance Stephenson will improve the Charlotte Hornets’ offense

By Andrew Melnick

May 30, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) wipes his face during a game against the Miami Heat in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) wipes his face during a game against the Miami Heat in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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After the Charlotte Hornets saw the Utah Jazz match the offer sheet for forward Gordon Hayward, they turned their attention to Indiana Pacers’ free agent guard Lance Stephenson, knowing he had already turned down a five-year extension with the Pacers. The Hornets won Stephenson over, signing him to a three-year deal with over $27 million.

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John Zitzler of Basketball Insiders believes the addition of Stephenson is going to greatly improve the Hornets’ offense next season.

"After spending the first four years of his career in Indiana, Lance Stephenson now finds himself with the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets struggled mightily on offense this past season, finishing 23rd in the league in points scored per game, relying heavily on their defense to win games. Stephenson will look to bring the same play-making ability he showed with the Pacers to help spark the Hornets’ stagnate offense. His addition gives the Hornets another player not named Kemba Walker who has the ability to create shots, not only for himself, but for his teammates as well. Stephenson has steadily improved every year since entering NBA and has developed into one of the more complete shooting guards in the league. His ability to contribute in a number of different ways makes him one of the more valuable additions of the summer."

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 charity stripe 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 downtown and 71.4% from the free throw line. In his four-year career, he has averaged 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 46.7% from the field, 32.5% from three and 71.1% from the free throw line.

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