Lance Stephenson made headlines for all the wrong reasons during the 2014 NBA Playoffs. The Indiana Pacers guard irritated opponents and teammates by doing stuff like blowing in LeBron James’ ear. Even Pacers president Larry Bird publicly criticized Stephenson, but that doesn’t mean the team won’t have him back.
Stephenson is officially a free agent. According to Candace Buckner of the Indianapolis Star, the Pacers made their pitch to the former Cincinnati star as soon as the free agency period officially began at midnight on Tuesday. They even included a personalized movie for him.
>>At 12:01 a.m. this morning, Lance Stephenson and company were with the Indiana Pacers’ team brass at a private party. The event included a viewing of a movie in Stephenson’s honor.
>>The movie was a secret to Stephenson.
>>Parts of the movie featured a few words from Larry Bird, Pacers president of basketball operations, and coach Frank Vogel.
>>Sources say things got “emotional” for Stephenson’s loved ones at certain parts, especially when the ‘Born Ready’ life story began reflecting on his journey to climb out of Coney Island.
Buckner said the Pacers always try to do something special for their free agents, but the movie was a first. We’re going to guess the film didn’t include any clips of Stephenson blowing in ears.
While you may be surprised that the Pacers are going to such lengths to keep Stephenson after the way he acted in the postseason, there aren’t many better options. He is just 23 years old and averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists last season. He’s a big part of what the Pacers do, so they’re probably hoping he re-signs and matures a bit during the offseason.
