Lance Stephenson reportedly agrees to deal with Pelicans
The NBA hasn’t seen the last of Legendary Lance.
According to a report by Shams Charania of The Vertical on Friday, the New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to sign free agent swingman Lance Stephenson.
Free agent Lance Stephenson has agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, league source tells The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 9, 2016
The 25-year-old had worked out for the team just last month. While it took Stephenson over two months to find a new contract (with there even being talk that the contract might have to come from Europe), he’ll get a chance to contribute right away in New Orleans.
The Pelicans are thin at the guard positions with Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday unavailable for the start of the 2016-17 season and Eric Gordon now in Houston. The addition of Stephenson gives them a primary perimeter creator for the time being and prevents them from having to baptize rookie Buddy Hield by fire right away.
While Stephenson’s unpredictable style has always been a wild card, he’s best when he has the ball in his hands often and should have every opportunity for that kind of usage in the early going for the Pelicans. Operating with an elite pick-and-roll partner in Anthony Davis should also help Stephenson reassert his worth as a basketball player after a down last couple of seasons.
Image Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
