Things have really gone downhill for Lance Stephenson lately.
It doesn't feel that long ago that Stephenson was blowing in LeBron James' ear during the Eastern Conference Finals, playing as a true X-factor on such a big stage.
Now, he's struggling to even find an NBA team that wants him.
An NBA executive said in April Lance Stephenson might have to settle for the vet minimum or play overseas. Looking that way.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) August 29, 2016
With all of the NBA players that received huge paydays this summer, it would be pretty sad if Stephenson could only fetch the veteran minimum. His production has truly fallen off a cliff though.
Born Ready peaked in that 2013-14 season with the Pacers, which was actually the only in which he averaged double-figures at 13.8 points along with 7.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists a night. Those looked like numbers of a young star ready to break out.
The following season he signed to play with the Charlotte Hornets where it really didn't work out. His numbers dropped to 8.2 points, 37.6 field goal percentage and a horrid 17.1 percent from the 3-point line.
Stephenson tried to resurrect his spiraling career last season with the Clippers and Grizzlies. But neither was a great fit. He played 43 games in L.A. while averaging just 4.7 a night before being traded to Memphis, where he did put up 14.2 points a night on 47.4 percent shooting.
At age 25, Stephenson surely should have something left in the tank. But the inevitable baggage combined with dwindling numbers has most NBA teams deciding it's best to simply stay away.
It will be interesting to see where he eventually winds up.
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