It’s barely been a week since Lance Stephenson’s homecoming to the Indiana Pacers, but he’s already making his presence felt again.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Stephenson dropped this rather interesting quote about Pacers teammate Paul George, who can become a free agent after the 2017-18 season, per Derek Schultz of FOX Sports 97.5.
Stephenson on if he'll get PG to stay: "I gotta get all my guys, tie him up on a chair, and say, 'You ain't going nowhere, Paul George'."
— Derek Schultz (@Schultz975) April 5, 2017
A George departure two summers from now (perhaps to this hometown team of his) is beginning to look like a very present danger for the Pacers. But Stephenson, who returned for his second stint with the team last week, figures to have at least some pull in convincing George to stay as his lone remaining teammate (along with Lavoy Allen) from the Indiana team that made back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 and 2014.
Stephenson may not have to resort to those kinds of drastic measures if George makes an All-NBA team this season, thus qualifying him for a designated player exception and a potential $200-plus million extension from the Pacers. But it’s at least another testament to the way Stephenson’s personality has reinvigorated his teammates as they continue to fight for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
