The Indiana Pacers have had a symbiotic relationship with Lance Stephenson over the years, but his second departure from Indy was the most that stung the most. President Kevin Pritchard and the front office swung a deal for free agent Tyreke Evans, a hybrid guard with the same skill set as Stephenson, a move that set up the two going different ways.
While the relationship was strained, Pritchard's comments during Evans' introduction stung deep.
“We stayed in constant communication with him. At the end of the day, Lance gave us some great years,” said Pritchard, according to Dana Benbow of The Indianapolis Star. “We love Lance. We love Lance on the court, we love Lance off the court.” “Sometimes, he was the best player on our team and sometimes he was the best player on the other team.”
That struck home for the Brooklynite, who has been criticized over the years for making the occasional bone-headed play or not-top-10 blunder.
Lance Stephenson barked back on Instagram in a since-deleted post:
“Best player for the other team really that's how u feel about me. I put my heart to this game and also a team player. I do whatever it takes to help my team win not one time I felt like I help the opposite team win. I will always love my pacer fans.”
Kevin Pritchard had only been at the helm of the organization for one year, coming at the heels of Larry Bird stepping down from his title of president at the wake of the impending Paul George trade.
Stephenson still has a strong relationship with the franchise, and while he was hurt by Pritchard's comments, he would surely return if the Pacers come calling.
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