Lance Stephenson (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Lance Stephenson could be headed to Orlando for a reunion with former Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel.
The Magic are hoping to become legit contenders in the East next season after significant improvement in the team's coaching staff and roster. While Orlando seems all set after the summer signings of Bismack Biyombo and Jeff Green, and a blockbuster deal that acquired Serge Ibaka, there could still be room for one significant move, with Stephenson still available in the market.
Whether the Magic are truly interested in signing Stephenson remains to be seen, but it would be intriguing to see the 25-year-old reunite with Vogel, who coached Stephenson during their days together in Indiana.
According to Evan Massey of the Inquisitr, acquiring Stephenson would be another "step forward" for the Magic, who are poised to finally contend in the league after significant changes in their roster.
"Looking at the Orlando roster, Stephenson could fit in and have a big role immediately. Elfrid Payton and Evan Fournier will likely be the starting back-court, but after those two there are open spots. Stephenson could earn the backup shooting guard or small forward minutes depending on where Vogel decided to use him."
"If the Magic are able to add Stephenson, they will immediately take another step forward. He brings the ability to score the basketball at a high level, along with rebounding and playmaking potential. Orlando needs as many players who can make plays for their teammates as possible and Stephenson did that for Vogel a few years back," Massey wrote.
Stephenson played his first four NBA season with the Pacers, but his most remarkable run with the franchise came in the 2013-2014 regular season, when the small forward averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists a game.
But ever since joining the Charlotte Hornets in the summer of 2014, Stephenson seemingly lost his footing to become one of the most talented two-way forwards in the league.
Stephenson was hardly a factor to the Hornets, only posting 8.2 points per game, while coming off the bench most of the times. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where Stephenson was hoping for a career rebirth under Doc Rivers, but failed to do so before ending up with the Memphis Grizzlies, where Stephenson posted 14.2 points in 26 games.
If Stephenson could somehow continue his momentum with the Grizzlies, he would be a tremendous addition to the Magic. But any potential signing would probably be hindered if the Magic decide to push for the developments of Aaron Gordon and Mario Hezonja. Moreover, Green's presence at the small forward spot should spoil any Stephenson and Vogel reunion.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that Stephenson experienced the greatest season of his NBA career under Vogel, and given the dip he had in the past seasons, the former Pacers coach could be the only one who could realign Stephenson's career.
