Set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, budding Indiana Pacers star Lance Stephenson could command as much as $9 million per season, according to Sports Illustrated.
Stephenson, who is averaging 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists and already has three triple doubles this season, has been instrumental in sparking the Pacers to a league best 24-5 mark.
Since taking over for injured forward Danny Granger last year, the man known as "Born Ready" has quickly established himself as one of the league's most versatile players. The 23-year-old, fourth-year veteran is also known for being a rugged defender.
"No," Pacers coach Frank Vogel flatly told Stephenson's hometown New York Post earlier this week when asked whether he ever could have imagined Stephenson becoming as valuable to the team as he has. "I say that with strong conviction. We had a great deal of belief in him, and that he would be a heck of a basketball player, but I did not envision it happening this quickly. From what he did last year to even taking a bigger step coming into this year."
Stephenson averaged 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists for Indiana last season and upped his production in each category (9.4, 7.6, 3.3) over 19 playoff games.
"I always knew I was talented," Stephenson told The Post. "I just needed the opportunity and confidence, just playing in a game, getting used to my teammates and getting used to the flow of the game. I always knew I could definitely play in an NBA type of game."
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