Lance Stephenson Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Central Notes: Taylor, Stephenson, Cunningham, Bucks

February 3rd, 2022 at 10:07pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Pacers rookie swingman Terry Taylor recorded career highs of 24 points and 16 rebounds in 37 minutes of action on Wednesday. Taylor, a two-way player who earned a spot on the roster after going undrafted, may be forcing his way into the team’s future plans, according to James Boyd of the Indianapolis Star. Taylor played out of position against the Magic as a very undersized center with Indiana’s frontcourt depleted by injuries.

“He was tremendous,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “He’s got a real good feel for the game. He knows who he is. He knows his strengths, he plays to them. He’s a very unique player. He’s worked extremely hard to get this opportunity to be in the NBA and have a chance to get minutes and he’s making the most of it.”

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The cap hit that the Pacers will take by signing Lance Stephenson to a rest-of-the-season contract is $642,729, ESPN’s Bobby Marks tweets. Stephenson will make $924,730. The signing leaves Indiana $1.4MM below the luxury tax threshold but the team could get $1.3MM in tax relief if Domantas Sabonis is not selected as an All-Star replacement. He wasn’t among the initial group of Eastern Conference reserves announced on Thursday.
Top pick Cade Cunningham missed the Pistons’ home game against Minnesota on Thursday, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com tweets. Cunningham suffered a hip pointer in a loss to New Orleans on Tuesday. He’s questionable to play against Boston on Friday.
The Athletic’s Eric Nehm takes a look at potential trades for the Bucks before next week’s deadline and possible buyout acquisitions after the deadline passes.

Lance Stephenson Signs With Pacers For Rest Of Season

February 3rd, 2022 at 10:57am CST by Arthur Hill

FEBRUARY 3: Stephenson has signed with the Pacers for the rest of the season, according to Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files and Stephenson’s agency, Priority Sports (Twitter links). Agness confirms (via Twitter) that the deal won’t cover multiple seasons, so the veteran swingman will be a free agent this summer.

FEBRUARY 2: The Pacers will sign Lance Stephenson for the remainder of the season, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. Stephenson’s latest 10-day contract expired on Wednesday night.

Stephenson came to Indiana at the beginning of January on a pair of 10-day hardship deals while the team dealt with a COVID-19 outbreak. When those expired, he signed two standard 10-day contracts. In total, he has appeared in 17 games, averaging 9.4 points and 4.2 assists per night.

Stephenson isn’t eligible to sign another standard 10-day deal with the team this season. Marc Stein of Substack notes that he could have inked another hardship contract as long as Domantas Sabonis remains in the league’s health and safety protocols (Twitter link). However, if Sabonis were to exit before the 10 days are up, Stephenson would be ineligible to play.

The Pacers have known for some time that they were going to sign Stephenson for the rest of the season, Stein tweets. There has been discussion about keeping a roster spot open for added flexibility heading into next Thursday’s trade deadline, so we’ll have to wait to see when Stephenson’s contract becomes official.

Pacers Sign Lance Stephenson To Fourth 10-Day Contract

January 24th, 2022 at 12:37pm CST by Luke Adams

The Pacers have signed Lance Stephenson to a second standard 10-day contract, the team announced today in a press release. It’s Stephenson’s fourth overall 10-day deal with Indiana this season, since he also inked two hardship contracts with the club.

Stephenson, 31, quickly became a regular rotation player for the Pacers after first rejoining the organization on January 1. He has appeared in 11 games so far, averaging 9.5 PPG, 3.6 APG, and 2.5 RPG on .462/.281/.800 shooting in 19.0 minutes per contest.

There was an expectation at one point earlier this month that Indiana would lock up Stephenson for the rest of the season, but the team has opted to continue the relationship 10 days at a time for now. That allows the Pacers to remain flexible with their roster ahead of the February 10 trade deadline.

A player typically isn’t allowed to sign more than two 10-day contracts with the same team in a given league year, but that restriction only applies to standard 10-day agreements, not to those completed using a COVID-related hardship exception.

While several players have signed three 10-day deals with the same club so far this season, Stephenson is the first to get a fourth. He signed hardship contracts on January 1 and January 11, then completed a new standard 10-day deal on January 14 so that he could remain active when the Pacers no longer had any players in the health and safety protocols — that contract expired on Sunday night.

Because this is Stephenson’s second standard 10-day deal, the Pacers will face a decision on his future soon. Assuming Indiana doesn’t have any players in the protocols when his new contract expires next week, Stephenson would have to be signed for the rest of the season or let go.

Central Notes: Bickerstaff, Cunningham, Garza, Stephenson

January 23rd, 2022 at 11:58am CST by Arthur Hill

The Cavaliers‘ improved play this season has put them in position to be unhappy after a win, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Victories have been rare in Cleveland over the past three seasons, but with the Cavs in fifth place in the East at 28-19, coach J.B. Bickerstaff is stressing the importance of a strong performance every night.

That’s why he was upset Saturday after watching his team struggle to put away the Thunder. Bickerstaff was displeased over a lack of effort and an offense that produced 23 turnovers and only 22 assists.

“It’s an understanding of the bigger picture of what we’re trying to get done and the seriousness of every game for us and what it means,” he said. “That’s part of our growth and maturation. There’s games like this where if you lose these games, you’re looking back in April and they matter.”

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Head coach Dwane Casey wants to take some of the ball-handling duties away from Cade Cunningham, who is running the offense and handling much of the scoring for the short-handed Pistons, per Keith Langlois of NBA.com. Injuries to Jerami Grant, Kelly Olynyk and Killian Hayes have resulted in Cunningham taking on a larger-than-expected share of the offense. “I’ve got to do a better job of getting him off the ball,” Casey said. “Find another ballhandler. When we get Kelly (Olynyk) back, get his time up as a point five, allowing Cade to play off the ball a little more and that’ll take the pressure off Cade, because to bring the ball down the floor, create his own shot, that’s too much.”
Pistons rookie center Luka Garza has cleared the health and safety protocols and is focused on reconditioning so he can start playing again, tweets Rod Beard of The Detroit News.
The Pacers have to make a decision on Lance Stephenson, whose 10-day contract expires tonight, tweets Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files. Stephenson joined the team under the hardship provision at the start of January, but because all of Indiana’s players cleared protocols by the time that deal expired, he had to sign a standard 10-day contract. The Pacers have the options of giving him another 10-day deal or signing him for the rest of the season. He has averaged 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 11 games.

Lance Stephenson Signs Standard 10-Day Contract With Pacers

January 14th, 2022 at 4:56pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Lance Stephenson has been signed to a standard 10-day contract by the Pacers, according to a team press release.

Stephenson had signed a second 10-day deal under the hardship exception on Tuesday but could no longer be activated because Indiana does not currently have any players in the league’s health and safety protocols.

The veteran guard has given Indiana a huge boost during his latest reunion with the franchise. Prior to his 6-point, 6-assist outing against Boston on Wednesday, Stephenson averaged 20 PPG and 6.7 APG in the team’s three previous games.

The latest 10-day will buy Indiana a little more time before making a broader commitment to Stephenson. The Pacers have an open roster spot and won’t need to waive a player if they decide to retain Stephenson on a rest-of-season contract.

Pacers Sign Lance Stephenson To Second 10-Day Contract

January 11th, 2022 at 3:29pm CST by Arthur Hill

JANUARY 11, 3:29pm: The Pacers have officially signed Stephenson to his second 10-day hardship contract, the team announced in a press release. League sources reiterated to Stein (Twitter link) that Stephenson is still expected to remain with Indiana for the rest of the season once the team is no longer eligible for a hardship exception.

JANUARY 11, 1:41pm: Following the expiration of Stephenson’s first 10-day contract on Monday night, the Pacers are now planning to sign him to a second 10-day deal using a hardship exception, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link).

The Pacers still had three players – Goga Bitadze, Caris LeVert, and T.J. Warren – in the health and safety protocols when they last updated their injury report, so they remain eligible to carry players on 10-day deals via the COVID-related hardship allowance.

Stephenson still looks like a safe bet to eventually get a full-season commitment, but keeping him on 10-day contracts for now will allow Indiana to maximize its roster flexibility with the trade deadline less than a month away.

JANUARY 9: The Pacers will likely sign Lance Stephenson for the rest of the season after his 10-day contract expires on Monday night, sources tell veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein (Twitter link).

Stephenson has averaged 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 22.8 minutes per night in four games on his hardship deal. He also appeared in six games last month for the Hawks on a 10-day contract.

After Saturday’s win over Utah, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said there has been a difference in the team since Stephenson arrived, writes James Boyd of The Indianapolis Star.

“Our bench hasn’t been this into the game in any game this year. It’s not that they’re not good guys, there just hasn’t been the same kind of vibe (since Stephenson rejoined the franchise),” Carlisle said. “When this move was made, (team president Kevin Pritchard) told me, ‘We need some personality. We need some energy. A lot of people are gonna roll their eyes at this.’ I said, ‘I’m not rolling my eyes. I just want to know as much as I can about this guy so we can turn him loose and let him play his game.'”

Stephenson has benefited from the freedom that Carlisle has given him to play his game, Boyd adds. The 31-year-old swingman set an NBA record Wednesday with 20 points off the bench in the first quarter, then posted 16 points and 14 assists Saturday against the Jazz.

Stephenson, who started his career in Indiana, is now in his third stint with the team. He started his NBA career there in 2010, then re-signed with the Pacers in 2017.

“There are guys that deliver the ball in a way that elicits confidence and belief, and particularly in these two home games we’ve seen that (from Stephenson),” Carlisle said. “Look, I don’t want to go too over the top on this because he’s playing well, but the vibe that’s happening right now is something that’s much needed for our group.”

Central Notes: Williams, Bol, Cavs, Warren, Stephenson

January 10th, 2022 at 5:22pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Bulls forward Patrick Williams has replaced the cast on his left arm with a removable brace, head coach Billy Donovan told Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago and other media members. Williams’ rehab from wrist surgery will now focus on rebuilding strength and regaining range of motion in the injured wrist and forearm. His timetable was initially projected to be four-to-six months after he underwent the surgery in late October.

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The trade that sent Bol Bol from Denver to the Pistons is now official. According to the Detroit Free Press’ Omari Sankofa II, Bol could be an intriguing pickup for a team in need of a young big. He’s got enough talent to become a core piece for the organization, so he was worth taking a flier on before he heads into free agency this summer, Sankofa adds.
The Cavaliers are expected to be active in the trade market, Dan Feldman of NBC Sports relays. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on NBA Today last week that he could “almost guarantee” Cleveland would make another deal beyond the acquisition of Rajon Rondo. The team is seeking perimeter and guard help and is talking to three or four different teams about scenarios, Windhorst added.
The Pacers are still awaiting the season debut of forward T.J. Warren and it won’t happen this week, James Boyd of the Indianapolis Star tweets. According to coach Rick Carlisle, Warren is “still weeks away, if things continue to progress as they have been.” Warren is recovering from a foot fracture.
Lance Stephenson‘s reunion with the Pacers has exceeded all expectations, Wheat Hotchkiss of the team’s website notes. Playing on a 10-day contract that expires tonight, Stephenson had a 30-point game and a 14-assist outing. Stephenson is expected to sign a standard rest-of-the-season contract.

Central Notes: Stephenson, Sabonis, Karnisovas, Pistons

January 9th, 2022 at 12:40pm CST by Arthur Hill

Lance Stephenson‘s return to the Pacers has helped boost Domantas Sabonis‘ scoring numbers, including a career-high 42 points Saturday night, writes James Boyd of The Indianapolis Star. Sabonis, who topped 32 points for the third time in the four games that Stephenson has played, had a thunderous dunk in the fourth quarter Saturday on a pass that Stephenson delivered in a pick and roll.

“We took it back because you know me and Domas, we was in the second unit the second time I came back here (in 2017/18), and me and him used to do the pick and roll and it used to be like showtime,” Stephenson said. “So I just felt like it was a flashback like, ‘Oh, man! I just know he gonna be there!’ And you know I had to put my little twist on it.”

Stephenson, whose 10-day contract will expire on Monday, is expected to be signed for the rest of the season. He has been impressive since joining the Pacers, averaging 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 22.8 minutes per game.

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Bulls executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas pointed to the team’s chemistry when asked about the trade deadline during a radio interview this week, relays K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. “I think we’d like to see how this group works together, and we’ve got to be really sensitive to any changes, if any, we will have,” Karnisovas said. “Like I said, these guys have a great locker room, a great vibe. They like each other. It’s a joy to watch what they’re doing on the floor. But of course, there’s room to improve as a group and I’m looking forward to watching them.”
The Bulls have the best offensive rating in the league during their nine-game winning streak and have been able to score without relying heavily on three-point shots, notes Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago. Coach Billy Donovan said he wouldn’t mind seeing the team shoot more from long distance as long as they’re high-quality shots.
Pistons coach Dwane Casey hopes his team used its COVID-19 outbreak as a learning experience, per Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press. Detroit had nine players enter the health and safety protocols since December 22 and used eight G League players to replace them. “Our medical staff, coaching staff, everybody learned what you can do and how much you can go and still be functional through those two games,” Casey said. “Maybe it was too quick. Maybe you need more time for conditioning. But we learned and moved on. I think the whole league is learning.”

Central Notes: Stephenson, White, Sykes, Paige

January 8th, 2022 at 12:02pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Pacers have an open 15-man roster spot. Lance Stephenson made a strong case to fill it with his 30-point game on Wednesday, and Domantas Sabonis is hopeful that will happen, Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files writes. “He’s a legend here, everybody loves him,” Sabonis said. “We knew the fans were going to go crazy when he came back. We love him, everyone else loves him here so it’s really fun to have him back.” Stephenson’s current 10-day hardship contract runs through Monday.

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There has been talk that Coby White might be traded for a power forward. However, the young Bulls guard is making a case to be part of the team’s long-term future, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. White has reached the 20-point mark three times in the last four games and has also made plays for his teammates. “I’m hoping he’s gaining some confidence in terms of his value for what he can do for our team,” coach Billy Donovan said. “It’s an important role for us.” The Bulls have already exercised their fourth-year option on White, who is extension-eligible after the season.
Keifer Sykes had his salary guaranteed for the remainder of the season and his coach said it was well deserved, James Boyd of the Indianapolis Star writes. “He earned it,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “He’s earned it really starting in the summer just with his approach, his work ethic, his level of improvement, which has been gradual and consistent. And these (five games) that he’s played, he’s played tremendously.” Sykes is averaging 10.4 PPG and 3.6 APG in his first five games (26.8 MPG).
The Pistons terminated the 10-day contract of Jaysean Paige a couple days before it expired, Keith Smith tweets. The Pistons used the hardship exception to sign Paige but their players have returned from protocols. Early terminated 10-day deals still pay the player the full 10-day amount, as Smith notes.

Lance Stephenson Signs 10-Day Deal With Pacers

January 1st, 2022 at 6:50pm CST by Rory Maher

JANUARY 1: The Pacers have officially completed Stephenson’s 10-day contract, announcing the deal in a press release.

DECEMBER 31: The Pacers plan to reunite with Lance Stephenson yet again, this time on a 10-day contract, Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files writes. This will be his third stint with the club. Stephenson must test negative for COVID-19 prior to signing the contract, Agness adds.

Stephenson is currently finishing out a 10-day deal with the Hawks, which reunited him with former Pacers and current Hawks head coach Nate McMillan. After that deal concludes, Stephenson will sign another hardship deal with the Pacers. In five games so far in a limited role with the Hawks, Stephenson is averaging a modest 1.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 1.8 APG in 12.8 MPG.

Stephenson, 31, hadn’t played in the NBA since the 2018/19 season, but signed a G League contract this fall in the hopes of making a comeback. In his first 12 games for the Gold this season, the former Pacer averaged 19.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 4.1 APG on .471/.306/.686 shooting in 35.0 MPG.

Stephenson has appeared in a total of 508 regular season NBA games, including 298 with Indiana. He also spent time with the Hornets, Clippers, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Timberwolves, and Lakers during his nine years in the league.

The Pacers currently have five players in the health and safety protocols, which allows them to sign multiple players via hardship exceptions. They’ve already signed Ahmad Caver and Nate Hinton to 10-day deals, but Stephenson will provide much more experience to the team.