Knicks: Is Lance Stephenson A Risk Worth Taking?
By Jemayel Mall
The Memphis Grizzlies have declined Lance Stephenson’s player option. Should the New York Knicks pursue him in free agency? Or is he too much of a risk?
With the exception of signing Carmelo Anthony to a five-year deal worth $124 million, Phil Jackson had set the New York Knicks on a course for a slow rebuild, much to the dismay of some fans and media members. Many thought—and still think—Jackson was brought to New York in order to attract “marquee” free agents.
But when is the last time someone wanted to play for a team because they had a “big name” president?
Sure, Pat Riley had an influence over LeBron James taking his talents to South Beach. But the real sticking point for James was playing alongside Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, not to mention a pretty good supporting cast.
That being said, Jackson has altered his plans. Whether it’s pressure from Knicks owner James Dolan, the Knicks’ current superstar Carmelo Anthony, or both, the Knicks are shifting gears.
Jackson is in a gambling mood.
Jackson’s first gamble this summer came in the form of the 101-112 Jeff Hornacek. There were better coaches available at the time, but Jackson decided to bet the remaining years of his contract on Hornacek.
There may not be too many years left for Jackson, as he does have an opt-out at the end of next season.
Then Jackson rolled the dice on Derrick Rose, but played it smart and didn’t bet big. While Hornacek is signed to a three-year deal, Rose is on an expiring contract. If all goes according to plan, Jackson will look like a genius.
However, if he rolls a snake eyes, Jackson will be added to the list of false saviors that promised to bring the Knicks back to the glory days. Sometimes you have to go big or go home.
Jackson and the Knicks should parlay this Rose bet with a Lance Stephenson wager. Stephenson was playing his best basketball with the Indiana Pacers in the 2013-2014 season at the age of 23. At that time, he led the league in triple-doubles.
When the Pacers refused to give Stephenson the money he wanted, he decided to make a gamble of his own and take a smaller contract in hopes of one day getting a max.
That decision ultimately backfired as Stephenson couldn’t find the same rhythm in Charlotte. Stephenson was twice traded since signing with the Charlotte Hornets, first to the Los Angeles Clippers and then to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Stephenson was averaging 4.7 points per game in an average of 15.8 minutes with the Clippers. Not what anyone was expecting after Stephenson was putting up career numbers in Indiana.
However, in 26 games with the Memphis Grizzlies, Stephenson averaged 14.2 points, 2.8 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field. While this is a small sample size and not the same numbers he was putting up in Indiana, it’s a vast improvement from what he was doing with the Clippers.
The last thing the Knicks need is another ball-dominant player in the starting lineup since they have Rose, Anthony, and Kristpas Porzingis. This is why they could use a ball-dominate wing coming off the bench.
Anthony and company need a supporting cast worth displaying to attract the “marquee” free agents in the future.
Jackson has dealt with share of head cases in the past and got them on the right track. Hornacek isn’t a stranger with dealing with these types of players himself (i.e. Marcus Morris).
Even with Stephenson’s improved stats, the Grizzlies declined his $9.4 million team option for next season. Stephenson should have a chip on his shoulder. While he left Indiana thinking he was better than what they were offering him, he’ll have to prove all over again that he can be that same player he was when he found success with the Pacers.
Why should Stephenson play for the Knicks? Stephenson has roots in New York. Stephenson was born in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Lincoln High School, where he won city basketball championships in all four years. He is New York State’s all-time leading scorer in high school basketball.
Stephenson was also name Mr. New York Basketball after his senior year and appeared in the 2009 McDonald’s All-American Game.
After high school, Stephenson played for the Cincinnati Bearcats in 2009-2010. There he was the leading scorer among Big East freshmen, and was named Big East Rookie of the Year. He was taken in the second round of 2010 NBA Draft at No. 40 overall by the Pacers.
Stephenson has shown he has the athletic ability and the potential to be great. Somewhere, he lost his way.
Jackson should capitalize on Stephenson needing to prove himself. Stephenson may be forced to take a smaller contract yet again, which would be favorable for the Knicks as they’re trying to assemble a team.
If the Knicks get the kind of production Stephenson put up in Memphis, they should be more than happy with him coming off the bench. If Stephenson returns to the man that was offered a five-year, $44 million contract from the Pacers, the Knicks would have struck gold.
There is, of course, the chance that Stephenson plays the way he did with the Clippers. If that’s the case, the Knicks would have overpaid for a below-average role player.
The possibility that both Rose and Stephenson don’t pan out is high enough to cause concern. It would leave Jackson with egg on his face as he tries to spin an explanation of what went wrong.
must read: Pros and cons of pursuing Eric Gordon
The Knicks need a bench, however, and from the looks of things, Jackson is flirting with lady luck. If that’s the case, this should \ be his next move.