The Indiana Pacers want Lance Stephenson back next year despite all the distractions he has caused in the past.
All-Star forward Paul George believes that with Stephenson in the line-up, the Pacers have a good chance of barging into the NBA Finals now that the Miami Heat's Big Three has broken up with the departure of LeBron James.
George said, via the Associated Press: "It's all on Lance's plate. I didn't have to deal with this because I was a restricted free agent. It's really up to Lance, but I will say I do want him to come back.''
Even his coach, Frank Vogel, said he wants his two-guard back: "'He knows we want him very, very badly. Hopefully, we'll find a way to get it done.''
The unrestricted free agent has been offered a $44 million, five-year deal by the Pacers but has not committed to signing with his team. He wants more money, so the Pacers have to wait for him to sign on the contract.
Stephenson blossomed to become one of the most dynamic guards in the East with averages of 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He was the best rebounding guard in the league and even led the NBA with five triple doubles.
But he also caused a lot of distraction, especially during the playoffs. He was involved in a practice melee with teammate Evan Turner. More notoriously, he blew into the ear of James during Game 5 of the East semis, earning the ire of team president Larry Bird, one of Stephenson's biggest fans.
© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
