Memphis Grizzlies guard Lance Stephenson (Photo : Getty Images)
The likelihood of Lance Stephenson ending up in Indiana Pacers uniform is dashing away. According to Mark Montieth of NBA.com, the Pacers' priority is to find a suitable backup point guard, making a Stephenson return in Indiana very unlikely.
Stephenson, who bounced around the league the past two seasons after signing a three-year, $27 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets, is still without an NBA team up to this point in free-agency.
Earlier this month, there were reports indicating a potential reunion between Stephenson and the Pacers, but that idea is starting to get blurry with Indiana looking to add another ball-handler, per report by Montieth.
"I think Lance and his agent are doing the talking... Right now probably a very slim chance," Larry Bird said on the possibility of bringing Stephenson back, via Hoops Rumors.
Stephenson's career went spiraling down after a lackluster season with the Hornets. He was expected to be one of the leaders of the franchise, but his inability to knock down his jumpers consistently has haunted him a lot.
Looking for spacing, the Hornets traded Stephenson to Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Spencer Hawes and Harrison Barnes. The Clippers tried to use him as a wing defender, but eventually decided to trade him in Memphis before the trade deadline.
Stephenson averaged a career-high 14.2 points and 4.4 rebounds over 26 games for the Grizzlies, who were hampered with injuries all season long.
It's unknown what's next in Stephenson's career, but he's expected to end up elsewhere, though in much lesser role. The Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors are among teams rumored to be interested in the wingman.
