Lance Stephenson was once among the best role players in the NBA when he was with the Indiana Pacers (for his first stint). <\/p>\n
During the 2014 season, Stephenson helped lead the Pacers to the Eastern Conference finals. <\/p>\n
He finished that year with averages of 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per contest while shooting 49.1% from the field and 35.2% from the three-point range in 78 games. <\/p>\n
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Dec 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) reacts against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Pacers 120-115. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images \/ Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
That summer, Stephenson signed a deal with the Charlotte Hornets. <\/p>\n
He was never able to regain the same magic that he had with the Pacers. <\/p>\n
Lance Stephenson and the @hornets<\/a> reportedly agree to a 3-year, $27M contract http:\/\/t.co\/sidlGg1Arh<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/UlRKCMEJRm<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 16, 2014<\/a><\/p>\n In an interview with 7PM in Brooklyn<\/a>, Stephenson made an honest statement about his career (h\/t @HornetsReddit<\/a>). <\/p>\n Stephenson: “Once I got paid, I didn’t keep that hunger. I kind of slowed… I should have just started going harder and harder. That’s the only part of my career I feel like, damn I should have changed that right there.”<\/p>\n Stephenson would go on to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, LA Clippers, Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelians. <\/p>\n He also had two more stints with the Pacers. <\/p>\n His career averages were 8.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per contest while shooting 44.5% from the field and 31.4% from the three-point range in 554 games. <\/p>\n