Clippers’ Lance Stephenson ‘Born Ready’ To Be The Final Piece
By Damon Taylor
Lance Stephenson is an addition for the Clippers that no one talks about but its very underrated. He will thrive in Los Angeles.
Last season, Stephenson’s lone year in Charlotte wasn’t impressive. As a matter of fact it was abysmal. He shot a dreadful shooting percentage and he was often benched late in games.
In addition, Stephenson shot only 37-percent from the field as opposed to 50-percent a year before with the Indiana Pacers. Also, he only averaged 8.2 points per game, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds in 25 minutes per game. Yes, those numbers are very feeble.
Nevertheless, I’ll defend Stephenson and add that the Hornets did not use him correctly. When Stephenson was in Indiana he was at best a 3rd option that could make plays for others and defend well.
In Charlotte, he started the season as a number 1 or 2 option but the Hornets were hopeful he’d become an All-star. Unfortunately, he isn’t that type of player and the Hornets asked too much out of Stephenson in my eyes. The guy can’t lead them in scoring, rebounds, and assist.
However, being traded to the Clippers was a brilliant move by Doc Rivers. They get a really good perimeter defender that doesn’t back down from any one. For instance, in the 2014 playoffs Stephenson wasn’t star struck by the moment of being in the Eastern Conference Finals. He embraced that stage and gave it his best shot against LeBron James’ Miami Heat.
Feb 8, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson (1) reacts after scoring a basket during the second half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Pacers win 103-102. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
That toughness is something the Clippers yearned for in the playoffs. Yes, Matt Barnes was tough but Stephenson is just as tough but can make plays for others and usually flourishes in big moments.
Stephenson’s toughness reminds me of Metta World Peace and Dennis Rodman. He does whatever it takes to get into his opponents head. It may not work all the time but the determination is there on both sides of the court.
Every championship team needs a player that goes above and beyond to make their presence felt. It reminds me of what Matthew Dellavedova did for the Cavs in the 2015 NBA finals. The only difference with Stephenson is that he has the talent to make a difference on both ends of the court every single game.
Additionally, Stephenson doesn’t have to be the number one man for the Clippers and that is why he will thrive in Los Angeles. He doesn’t need to put up great numbers every single night. All he needs to do is defend well, create offense for players off the bench and bring that crazy toughness.
If Stephenson can play within himself he might be that final piece to solve the Clippers puzzle. When building championships teams it’s all about finding the right pieces that fit. Stephenson might be that final piece to the puzzle.
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Doc Rivers is the perfect coach for this guy. He has a lot of flare and attitude to his game and that’s what the Clippers need.
At this point the Clippers have to at least make it out the second round. They have all the tools to become the best team in the West. Ultimately, I believe they will represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals.
I know Laker fans will call me a bandwagon for this but I want to see this Clipper team do something good for once. Don’t worry Laker fans they have a long way before winning 16 championships.