It was not that long ago that Lance Stephenson was an in-demand NBA player. Now, he may have to turn to Europe to find a job.
According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Stephenson may have to play overseas in 2016-17, as he is garnering little interest from NBA teams.
Stephenson has value on the court, as he averaged 15 points and 5.9 rebounds per game between the Clippers and Grizzlies last season. There is speculation, though, that his personality may be turning potentially interested teams off. It’s speculation that Stephenson has tried to dispel in the past, but he hasn’t entirely shaken the reputation.
Stephenson had a $9.4 million option declined by Memphis at the start of the offseason. It seemed likely that he’d get another deal elsewhere for less, perhaps even from the Grizzlies, but with the calendar flipping to August, Stephenson is still unemployed.
