With Lance Stephenson signing with the Charlotte Hornets and the Evan Turner experiment not working out as the Pacers hoped last season, the Indiana Pacers now have a hole to fill in their backcourt. Stephenson was a huge part of the team’s success and attack on both ends of the floor, the east being so wide open now with the change of teams following Lebron and Stephenson’s decision to go to different teams in the east. The Pacers have signed former Detroit Piston guard Rodney Stuckey to fill that void.
Stuckey, 6’5, 205, will join the Pacers on a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum salary $1,227,985.
Stuckey, who has played his entire seven-year career with the Detroit Pistons, has averaged 13.4 points and 3.9 assists but primarily played off the bench last season.
On paper it might look like the Pacers have taken a step back from last year’s Eastern Conference finals team.
Free agent guard Lance Stephenson will play for the Charlotte Hornets for the next three season. His contract is worth $27 million league sources said.
Losing Lance could be a blessing or curse for the Pacers depending on how important things, such as maturity and chemistry, are to a winning equation. Stephenson was talented, but he was also a distraction. At times, his antics seemed to outweigh his production, a cost team president Larry Bird and company would rather go with out.
“They always showed interest in me and once Lance decided to go to Charlotte, I thought it was a good opportunity for me to come in and just be in a good situation with a great team,” Stuckey said.
Stuckey is coming to the Pacers for the right reason-a good thing for Indiana’s uneven chemistry and culture in the locker room. Good news is the 28 year old is better than he is portrayed to be. Last season, Stuckey tallied 13.9 points and just 2.1 assists per game. Stuckey is also a good ball handler who is ranked 11th among all shooting guards.
Stephenson also averaged the same points in almost 14 points a game but he also averaged 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists that the Pacers are going to miss.
“If they want me to come off the bench, then I’ll do that. If they need me to start, I’ll do that. It does not really mater. Whatever they need me to do, I’ll do,” Stuckey said in a recent interview. “I’m excited to have a fresh start. Its going to be good for me. I want to win. I’m going to come in and work hard. I’m going to earn everyone’s respect. I’m going to earn my minutes and I’m just going to come in and compete.”
While Stuckey will likely not be enough for the Pacers to forget about Lance Stephenson, Stuckey’s attitude should bode well for Pacers President Larry Bird, coach Frank Vogel, and star Paul George if they’re going to get back into the Eastern Conference Finals.
