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Lance Stephenson sends bold message to Knicks about hopeful NBA return

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Lance Stephenson #6 of the Indiana Pacers reacts toward referee Nate Green #65 during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 10, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Lance Stephenson #6 of the Indiana Pacers reacts toward referee Nate Green #65 during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 10, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Maybe if it were a few years ago, the New York Knicks would actually consider signing Lance Stephenson. Unfortunately for him, New York doesn’t need Stephenson.

The 32-year-old spent the 2022-23 season out of the NBA. He played a few games in the spring with Puerto Rico’s Leones de Ponce. Stephenson told New York Post’s Tashara Jones that he misses the NBA and didn’t want to leave to play in Puerto Rico, but now he’s ready to prove that he still has it.

Since entering the league in 2010, Stephenson has spent time with the Pacers, Hornets, Clippers, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Timberwolves, Lakers, and Hawks. He’s hopeful that his next NBA team (if there is one) will be either the Knicks or the Nets. The New York native told the Post he’d like to be on one of those two teams.

"“I think it is time for a New York team. I want to play for the [Brooklyn] Nets or the Knicks, either one would do,” Stephenson said."

Should the Knicks consider signing New York native Lance Stephenson?

It’s understandable why Lance Stephenson would like to play for one of his hometown teams, but that ship has sailed. Well, at least for the Knicks.

The last team that Stephenson played for in 2021-22 is ironically the team that drafted him in 2010, the Pacers. He averaged 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, shooting 45.8% from the field and 31% from three. He arrived in Indiana after signing a 10-day contract in Atlanta, where he played six games for the Hawks.

While Stephenson still has some gas left in his tank and could be an off-the-bench player for the Knicks on a veteran minimum deal, it wouldn’t make much sense for New York to sign him. The Knicks have lost critical veterans over the past year, like Taj Gibson, but Stephenson wouldn’t exactly be a good veteran presence. He’s been labeled as “tasteless” and “classless” by P.J. Tucker in the past, and that’s just the beginning of it.

Maybe the Brooklyn native will get to suit up for the Nets in 2023-24, but don’t count on that happening, either.

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