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Knicks: Available Free Agents Who Should Be Targeted

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 12, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Lance Stephenson (1) on the bench against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Grizzlies 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Lance Stephenson (1) on the bench against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Grizzlies 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Lance Stephenson (1) handles the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Lance Stephenson (1) handles the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Lance Stephenson, UFA

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 25 (9/5/1990)
Slash Line: .481/.385/.784
Season Averages: 19.9 MPG, 8.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.6 SPG

Lance Stephenson has experienced a very confusing career arc since entering the NBA in 2010. He went from a rising star to a player whom many deemed overpaid in no time at all, and may now be forced to settle for the veteran’s minimum.

If all Stephenson can get is the veteran’s minimum, then the New York Knicks should pounce on this golden opportunity to potentially steal a high-quality player.

Though he struggled to find the court with the Los Angeles Clippers, Stephenson actually played quite well with the Memphis Grizzlies. He averaged 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 26.6 minutes—and he did so on an efficient slash line of .474/.355/.815.

Stephenson continued to play well in the playoffs, averaging 13.0 points on a slash line of .523/.400/.800.

Stephenson, a Brooklyn native, is New York State high school basketball’s all-time leading scorer story. Though there are obvious concerns, he’s at the stage of his career where he needs to redeem himself—and New York can capitalize on that sense of urgency

Coming home to New York and playing for the Knicks could be exactly what Stephenson needs to get back on the right track.

must read: Free agent point guards to consider for depth

If anyone can tap into Stephenson’s convoluted genius and upside, it’s Phil Jackson.

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