By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Pacers have agreed to sign Lance Stephenson to a three-year, $12 million deal. The team made the move official on Thursday, but according to “Indy Star” it was almost announced one day before by the players of the Pacers.
Paul George, who played alongside Stephenson the first four years of his career, said he is eager to play with one of his closest friends in the NBA again. “We had a special memories,” George said after the Pacers’ loss to Memphis. “We’ve definitely got a bond on that court. Hopefully we pick up where we left off. He’s excited. He’s always considered Indiana home, so he’s very excited to play with me and us again. This is where he made his name and made his mark. He’s got that in the back of his mind. He definitely thinks he can help this team.”
Stephenson was a key starter in the Pacers’ run to back-to-back Eastern Conference finals appearances in 2013 and ’14. He stepped into the starting lineup in place of an injured Danny Granger in 2012-13 and averaged 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists after making just a single start his first two seasons. In 2013-14, Stephenson averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists, all career highs.