[festar35Participant]

The more I have watched the Pacers this year the more I fell that Stephenson is the most talented player on the team. Paul george is amazing, but I feel Stephenson has a better chance of reaching the level of consistent star, than Paul George.

 George continues to show flashes, but at year four should the consistancy not already be there? How long should it take for a supposed Superstar level guy to be that on a consistent basis?

 With Stephenson his game is so compact and at times reckless, but he can attack the hoop like Wade could and he has developed a jump shot as well to add a little something extra. He is averaging 14ppg with pretty much no offense scheme being run for him, it is based around George, West, and Hibbert.

  I would feel far more comfortable going forward if Paul George sacarificed shots to become a efficient 18ppg along with his stellar defense, whilst Stephenson got the attempts to go for 20ppg+ a night, it reminds of the Harden situation and I feel like if Indiana don’t give him a chance a lot will be lost.

[WolfRobParticipant]

Well… It’s lance’s 5th year in the league….

 

id take George over Lance any day… I still think it’s important for them to keep lance though.

[festar35Participant]

It’s lance’s fourth year dude, he came in same draft as Paul George, plus he has been brought along very slowly.

[festar35Participant]

It’s lance’s fourth year dude, he came in same draft as Paul George, plus he has been brought along very slowly.

[WolfRobParticipant]

Well… It’s lance’s 5th year in the league….

 

id take George over Lance any day… I still think it’s important for them to keep lance though.

[festar35Participant]

Maybe I should of stated from an offensive stand point. All the Championship teams of the last decade have had two go to guys, Parker and Duncan, Kobe and Pau, Nowitzki and Terry, Pierce and Garnett, James and Wade.

Even the top teams of the NBA now have duos in James and Wade, Griffin and Paul, Durant and Westbrook, Lillard and Aldridge, Harden and Howard the only exception is the Spurs and as I mentioned above they had a great duo in winning their championships.

I think the Pacers need that scorer and I feel that Stephenson is the guy with the best chance. If we can’t re-sign him they need to arrange a sign and trade to get that guy like a Derozan or Afflalo or even a PG like Lawson who can put up points.

I understand the Pacers are playing a team game, but the last month and a half have shown more holes than production. Teams have looked like they figured out Indiana and without those scoring options (especially when George struggles) they won’t be able to compete.

[frogmanParticipant]

 If the Pacers win the title I think it will be held in the same regard as that Pistons winning team of 03/04, around that time.  Four all-star quality players (Stephenson, George, West, Hibbert/Billups, Hamilton, Wallace, Wallace) and another excellent glue piece that on the odd occasion could be the best player on any given night (Prince/Hill).  

[frogmanParticipant]

 If the Pacers win the title I think it will be held in the same regard as that Pistons winning team of 03/04, around that time.  Four all-star quality players (Stephenson, George, West, Hibbert/Billups, Hamilton, Wallace, Wallace) and another excellent glue piece that on the odd occasion could be the best player on any given night (Prince/Hill).  

[surveParticipant]

 you are not going to get heavily criticized for making some of the statements you made bro.  even though they are not far-fetched.  the posters on this site are fickle as hell and very fairweather.   people (myself included) didnt think Harden was gonna be on the level he is when OKC gave him up.  they couldnt forsee him being in the class of Westbrook/Durant even in an expanded role.  everyone was shocked by his immediate outbursts beginning with his first game in Houston.

no way will someone listen to you say that Lance has more potential than George…even though you may be right.  when/if Lance gets that role….we have to see.  PG has to keep improving.  a few months ago people were writing off John Wall in favor of Kyrie.  people have been going back and forth about who is the best PF in the game right now…but most had written Blake off in favor of Love.  

Who knows what Lance can do given the opportunity?  He is a very multifaceted player who has improved in all areas.  Once upon a time people were saying no way Lance was better than Tyreke.   Stephenson doesnt look like a max player now but that could change along with a change of scenery.

 

 

 

[surveParticipant]

 you are not going to get heavily criticized for making some of the statements you made bro.  even though they are not far-fetched.  the posters on this site are fickle as hell and very fairweather.   people (myself included) didnt think Harden was gonna be on the level he is when OKC gave him up.  they couldnt forsee him being in the class of Westbrook/Durant even in an expanded role.  everyone was shocked by his immediate outbursts beginning with his first game in Houston.

no way will someone listen to you say that Lance has more potential than George…even though you may be right.  when/if Lance gets that role….we have to see.  PG has to keep improving.  a few months ago people were writing off John Wall in favor of Kyrie.  people have been going back and forth about who is the best PF in the game right now…but most had written Blake off in favor of Love.  

Who knows what Lance can do given the opportunity?  He is a very multifaceted player who has improved in all areas.  Once upon a time people were saying no way Lance was better than Tyreke.   Stephenson doesnt look like a max player now but that could change along with a change of scenery.

 

 

 

[festar35Participant]

Maybe I should of stated from an offensive stand point. All the Championship teams of the last decade have had two go to guys, Parker and Duncan, Kobe and Pau, Nowitzki and Terry, Pierce and Garnett, James and Wade.

Even the top teams of the NBA now have duos in James and Wade, Griffin and Paul, Durant and Westbrook, Lillard and Aldridge, Harden and Howard the only exception is the Spurs and as I mentioned above they had a great duo in winning their championships.

I think the Pacers need that scorer and I feel that Stephenson is the guy with the best chance. If we can’t re-sign him they need to arrange a sign and trade to get that guy like a Derozan or Afflalo or even a PG like Lawson who can put up points.

I understand the Pacers are playing a team game, but the last month and a half have shown more holes than production. Teams have looked like they figured out Indiana and without those scoring options (especially when George struggles) they won’t be able to compete.

[Sewok15Participant]

They are both 23 years old…George is clearly the better player now and has the better potential. Stephenson is a very good player but the league isn’t full of teams that will Max out Lance Stephenson…that can’t be said of Paul George..if he hits the market he will be getting max deals thrown at him left and right.

 

[Sewok15Participant]

They are both 23 years old…George is clearly the better player now and has the better potential. Stephenson is a very good player but the league isn’t full of teams that will Max out Lance Stephenson…that can’t be said of Paul George..if he hits the market he will be getting max deals thrown at him left and right.

 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

i wonder if lance would be in the nba if he had gotten selected by another team? bird and the front office stuck by him…..

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

i wonder if lance would be in the nba if he had gotten selected by another team? bird and the front office stuck by him…..

[GrandmamaParticipant]

The more I have watched the Pacers this year the more I fell that Stephenson is the most talented player on the team. Paul george is amazing, but I feel Stephenson has a better chance of reaching the level of consistent star, than Paul George

Man, I really hope that isn’t a serious comment…

 

 

[GrandmamaParticipant]

The more I have watched the Pacers this year the more I fell that Stephenson is the most talented player on the team. Paul george is amazing, but I feel Stephenson has a better chance of reaching the level of consistent star, than Paul George

Man, I really hope that isn’t a serious comment…

 

 

[jwall1Participant]

Stopped reading after you said “Paul george is amazing, but I feel Stephenson has a better chance of reaching the level of consistent star, than Paul George.” LOL

[jwall1Participant]

Stopped reading after you said “Paul george is amazing, but I feel Stephenson has a better chance of reaching the level of consistent star, than Paul George.” LOL

[Da1potParticipant]

 Stephenson has some unreal hype this season. I like the guy, but don’t think he will ever reach the level Paul George has ascended to this season. It would have been ridiculous for a shooting guard who averages 14 a game to make the all-star team this year.

[Da1potParticipant]

 Stephenson has some unreal hype this season. I like the guy, but don’t think he will ever reach the level Paul George has ascended to this season. It would have been ridiculous for a shooting guard who averages 14 a game to make the all-star team this year.

[KingGeorgeParticipant]

Although I do agree that Paul George could stand to make some significant improvements to his outside jumper and his overall shot selection, to even imply that Lance Stephenson is the better player of the two at this point is simply blasphemous. George is one of the top 7-8 players on the planet and is arguably the best two-way player in the NBA.

As for the Pacers being able to keep Stephenson, they’d better be ready to put their money where their mouth is and pay up. Given his play this year, I think it’s reasonable to assume that Lance could command a contract worth about $7-9 million a year…It remains to be seen if he’ll take a "hometown discount" to stay, but either way, the Pacers better be prepared to break bread. He’s due for a major raise.

If I’m the Chicago Bulls, I’d absolutely make Lance Stephenson a top priority this offseason. Ever since Ben Gordon left in 2009, the Bulls have desperately been in need of a backcourt/wing scorer who is able to consistely create their own offense and take some of the ballhandling responsibilties/pressure off of Derrick Rose’s shoulders (Rose has been asked to do a bit too much offensively for Chicago IMO). Stephenson is capable of doing that and more (he’s also a great facilitator…5+ assists per game).

Although he’s still somewhat immature (he come a VERY LONG way though), he’s supremely skilled and talented, he’s athletic, he’s very strong, he’s tough, plays hard on both ends, is a pretty damn good defender, and he plays the game with passion and agression. He’d fit right into Tom Thibodeau’s system. If I’m the Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf I’d give John Paxson and Gar Forman the green light to do whatever is necessary (within reason of course) to land Stephenson.

Just my two cents…
 

 

[KingGeorgeParticipant]

Although I do agree that Paul George could stand to make some significant improvements to his outside jumper and his overall shot selection, to even imply that Lance Stephenson is the better player of the two at this point is simply blasphemous. George is one of the top 7-8 players on the planet and is arguably the best two-way player in the NBA.

As for the Pacers being able to keep Stephenson, they’d better be ready to put their money where their mouth is and pay up. Given his play this year, I think it’s reasonable to assume that Lance could command a contract worth about $7-9 million a year…It remains to be seen if he’ll take a "hometown discount" to stay, but either way, the Pacers better be prepared to break bread. He’s due for a major raise.

If I’m the Chicago Bulls, I’d absolutely make Lance Stephenson a top priority this offseason. Ever since Ben Gordon left in 2009, the Bulls have desperately been in need of a backcourt/wing scorer who is able to consistely create their own offense and take some of the ballhandling responsibilties/pressure off of Derrick Rose’s shoulders (Rose has been asked to do a bit too much offensively for Chicago IMO). Stephenson is capable of doing that and more (he’s also a great facilitator…5+ assists per game).

Although he’s still somewhat immature (he come a VERY LONG way though), he’s supremely skilled and talented, he’s athletic, he’s very strong, he’s tough, plays hard on both ends, is a pretty damn good defender, and he plays the game with passion and agression. He’d fit right into Tom Thibodeau’s system. If I’m the Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf I’d give John Paxson and Gar Forman the green light to do whatever is necessary (within reason of course) to land Stephenson.

Just my two cents…
 

 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

 +1

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

 +1

[NeggedFolyfe]

bird him self said lance is the best player on the team and when entering the league lance was the better player pg has gotten better for sure but their games are different but I think the pacers need to keep lance and it is like the harden fiasco. they saythey don’t want to go into the lux tax but I say you keep turner and lance. mover copland or whoever else to cut salary ,even pick up d league players like hou,utah, and the spurs do for areas you need to improve.

losing lance for nothing will be a huge blow to the pacers.

[NeggedFolyfe]

bird him self said lance is the best player on the team and when entering the league lance was the better player pg has gotten better for sure but their games are different but I think the pacers need to keep lance and it is like the harden fiasco. they saythey don’t want to go into the lux tax but I say you keep turner and lance. mover copland or whoever else to cut salary ,even pick up d league players like hou,utah, and the spurs do for areas you need to improve.

losing lance for nothing will be a huge blow to the pacers.

[CavFanPRParticipant]

They need to do everything they can to keep Stephenson but he’s a UFA. Other teams will throw some good offers at him and the Pacers can’t match any offers. That’s why they traded for Turner, he’s basically, Plan B. If they can’t keep Stephenson, they match any offer Turner gets.

I find it weird that a player that got drafted in the mid second round is better than the guy drafted second overall in the same draft.

[CavFanPRParticipant]

They need to do everything they can to keep Stephenson but he’s a UFA. Other teams will throw some good offers at him and the Pacers can’t match any offers. That’s why they traded for Turner, he’s basically, Plan B. If they can’t keep Stephenson, they match any offer Turner gets.

I find it weird that a player that got drafted in the mid second round is better than the guy drafted second overall in the same draft.

[Scott42444Participant]

I thought that Lance Stephenson was a RFA?  I have been reading articles about his impending free agency and I swear they have mentioned that the Pacers have to "match" any offers for him.  Before the Danny Granger trade the Pacers had about $7.7 million under the cap (assuming that George gets the boost up in salary due to the Derrick Rose Rule).  I don’t know where it stands now, but I think that Stephenson is going to command closer to $10 million than $7 million.

Also, in regards to the #2 being worse than a 2nd rounder, that has the POTENTIAL to happen in quite a few drafts.  Not 2014 probably, but the 2013 draft has that potential.  I keep using the word "potential" because there are a lot of guys that leave college too early and they have a lot of ground to cover before they reach their potential. whereas a guy like Turner was thought to be a more complete, ready to contribute player leaving college.  A lot of teams don’t have the luxury of allowing a player time to develop and sometimes force players into a role, which stunts some of their development.  

On a related note, I heard Charles Barkley on Mike and Mike a couple days ago addressing the whole tanking situation and the 1-and-Done rule.  His idea to give every non-playoff team 1 ping-pong ball has some merits to prevent tanking, but I don’t really love it.  There is a clear difference between teams that are just outside the playoffs and teams that are helpless.  But, he had a GREAT POINT in regards to players being forced to play a couple seasons in college ball.  The NBA Draft is meant to provide teams that are lacking in talent an injection of players that can contribute and get them better.  The way it stands now, a lot of the players in the Top 10 of most NBA Drafts are more potential based prospects than they are ready to contribute prospects.  Then, after 4 years, they become free agents.  If they stayed in college for an extra season, they would be that much closer to being able to help out the bad teams.  He is right, in order for the NBA to achieve some sort of parity, they will have to alter the draft in some way to provide teams drafting in the Top 10 with NBA ready players.  If they are all teenagers that are full of potential but not production, it actually hurts both the players and the teams taking them.  The NFL is a great example of this where the draft really does help out teams that are terrible and there is great parity in the league.  But, at the same time, REALLY good franchises are consistently competitive.

 

 

[tblazer_NZParticipant]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9947573/nba-free-agents-2014-2015

Lance Stephenson is going to be a RFA if they give him the qualifying offer(which they most definitely will).
Check it out if you don’t believe me.

[tblazer_NZParticipant]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9947573/nba-free-agents-2014-2015

Lance Stephenson is going to be a RFA if they give him the qualifying offer(which they most definitely will).
Check it out if you don’t believe me.

[Scott42444Participant]

I thought that Lance Stephenson was a RFA?  I have been reading articles about his impending free agency and I swear they have mentioned that the Pacers have to "match" any offers for him.  Before the Danny Granger trade the Pacers had about $7.7 million under the cap (assuming that George gets the boost up in salary due to the Derrick Rose Rule).  I don’t know where it stands now, but I think that Stephenson is going to command closer to $10 million than $7 million.

Also, in regards to the #2 being worse than a 2nd rounder, that has the POTENTIAL to happen in quite a few drafts.  Not 2014 probably, but the 2013 draft has that potential.  I keep using the word "potential" because there are a lot of guys that leave college too early and they have a lot of ground to cover before they reach their potential. whereas a guy like Turner was thought to be a more complete, ready to contribute player leaving college.  A lot of teams don’t have the luxury of allowing a player time to develop and sometimes force players into a role, which stunts some of their development.  

On a related note, I heard Charles Barkley on Mike and Mike a couple days ago addressing the whole tanking situation and the 1-and-Done rule.  His idea to give every non-playoff team 1 ping-pong ball has some merits to prevent tanking, but I don’t really love it.  There is a clear difference between teams that are just outside the playoffs and teams that are helpless.  But, he had a GREAT POINT in regards to players being forced to play a couple seasons in college ball.  The NBA Draft is meant to provide teams that are lacking in talent an injection of players that can contribute and get them better.  The way it stands now, a lot of the players in the Top 10 of most NBA Drafts are more potential based prospects than they are ready to contribute prospects.  Then, after 4 years, they become free agents.  If they stayed in college for an extra season, they would be that much closer to being able to help out the bad teams.  He is right, in order for the NBA to achieve some sort of parity, they will have to alter the draft in some way to provide teams drafting in the Top 10 with NBA ready players.  If they are all teenagers that are full of potential but not production, it actually hurts both the players and the teams taking them.  The NFL is a great example of this where the draft really does help out teams that are terrible and there is great parity in the league.  But, at the same time, REALLY good franchises are consistently competitive.

 

 

[Da1potParticipant]

 Lance Stephenson will never be on the level James Harden and Paul George are on. Evan Turner is potentially insurance for Stephenson becasue they are very similar players in terms of the roles they will play on a championship-caliber team. If he if an AV of more than 10 million a year, not only can the Pacers probably not afford him, but he is not worth that much in the first place.

[Da1potParticipant]

 Lance Stephenson will never be on the level James Harden and Paul George are on. Evan Turner is potentially insurance for Stephenson becasue they are very similar players in terms of the roles they will play on a championship-caliber team. If he if an AV of more than 10 million a year, not only can the Pacers probably not afford him, but he is not worth that much in the first place.

[NeggedFolyfe]

Why not keep turner and lance if your going to move any players move hill and copeland  they lucked up and landed turner he has been good off the bench in a few games so imagine with a season with them would be like.

they have a future first rounder for 2016 to play with and teams looking for depth or  in desperate need of pg next season  might be willing to get a hill if ind wants to just clear cap space a team like the sixers can take hill and settle for a pick and send back a eric maynor.

 

I think when you put certain cores together sometimes they should never break up( harden okc)  (tmac and carter) (shaq and kobe)  for a small market team I like thir core and their sixth man.

 

[NeggedFolyfe]

Why not keep turner and lance if your going to move any players move hill and copeland  they lucked up and landed turner he has been good off the bench in a few games so imagine with a season with them would be like.

they have a future first rounder for 2016 to play with and teams looking for depth or  in desperate need of pg next season  might be willing to get a hill if ind wants to just clear cap space a team like the sixers can take hill and settle for a pick and send back a eric maynor.

 

I think when you put certain cores together sometimes they should never break up( harden okc)  (tmac and carter) (shaq and kobe)  for a small market team I like thir core and their sixth man.

 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I’m a huge believer in Lance Stephenson. He’s talented, plus he has that "dog" in him and that’s just something a lot of players don’t have. Stephenson always plays hard/tough at both ends and he doesn’t back down from anyone. He keeps coming at you. He competes every second he’s out there. 

He’s still growing in so many areas too. IF he can continue improving/maturing his game, I think he’ll be a consistent All-Star. Larry Bird knows this too and there’s no way he’ll let him get away. 

Even though Paul George doesn’t always play with the passion, aggressiveness, etc that Stephenson plays with, I still think George is a better player now and has the most upside. George is only scratching the surface, *especially* offensively. 

I want to see both players continue to grow together. With Wade on the decline, I think George and Stephenson could be that next great wing duo. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I’m a huge believer in Lance Stephenson. He’s talented, plus he has that "dog" in him and that’s just something a lot of players don’t have. Stephenson always plays hard/tough at both ends and he doesn’t back down from anyone. He keeps coming at you. He competes every second he’s out there. 

He’s still growing in so many areas too. IF he can continue improving/maturing his game, I think he’ll be a consistent All-Star. Larry Bird knows this too and there’s no way he’ll let him get away. 

Even though Paul George doesn’t always play with the passion, aggressiveness, etc that Stephenson plays with, I still think George is a better player now and has the most upside. George is only scratching the surface, *especially* offensively. 

I want to see both players continue to grow together. With Wade on the decline, I think George and Stephenson could be that next great wing duo. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Author]

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