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Lance Stephenson: 5 ways he’ll impact the Charlotte Hornets

By Evan Massey

Mar 28, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated the Indiana Pacers 91-78. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated the Indiana Pacers 91-78. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 26, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) and Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) react after Carrol makes a three point shot during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Pacers defeated the Hawks 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) and Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) react after Carrol makes a three point shot during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Pacers defeated the Hawks 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Much Needed Attitude

The Hornets haven’t had an enforcer or a player that has the type of attitude that can change a game. Stephenson proved that he has that type of attitude last year against the Miami Heat and LeBron James. There is a time and place for smack talk and distraction, and that is the one area that Stephenson could use some maturing.

Charlotte had Josh McRoberts as their enforcer last season, but he received the reputation of simply being a dirty player. That isn’t the type of “attitude” that NBA teams need, and it can actually be detrimental to team chemistry in the long run. Stephenson will be adding a very fun and entertaining style of attitude, and it all comes from his roots and playing in tough areas growing up.

Smack talking has always been a big part of the NBA, but that has been dwindling in recent years. Stephenson has a very old school type of mentality and that is something that Hornets’ owner Michael Jordan loves. There are times and situations that he needs to focus on playing the game, but smack talk and getting into another players head is just part of the game.

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