The Charlotte Hornets introduced Lance Stephenson Friday, and anyone expecting a circus would have been disappointed.
Stephenson seemed determined to say all the right things and distance himself from the "blowing in LeBron's ear" incident. He said his favorite things on the court were "defense" and "assists" and that he first and foremost wanted to make his teammates happy.
"I'm a winner," Stephenson said. He said Hornets owner Michael Jordan "loves my game" -- Jordan was involved in Stephenson's signing -- and his competitive edge.
On the court, Stephenson said, "I don't have friends." But off the court, he said: "I'm funny."
Of his antics in the Eastern Conference finals, which included both the ear-blowing and him trying to infiltrate a Miami Heat huddle, Stephenson admitted he went "overboard." Later, he also said the ear-blowing incident had been "overblown," which was unintentionally ironic, I'm pretty sure.
"I'm a little upset about that," said Stephenson, who led the NBA in triple-doubles last season but was also top-5 in the NBA in technical fouls. He said the publicity about his playoff "antics," as he called them, had "overshadowed" how good of a player he is. And in that respect, he's probably right.
Stephenson said he and Kemba Walker had known and played against each other for years, starting in high school in New York, and that the two of them in the backcourt would be a great combination. He also said that coach Steve Clifford would "push" him, and that as a young player he needed to be pushed.
The Hornets signed Stephenson to a three-year, $27.4-million deal, with the third year being at the team's option. Hornets GM Rich Cho said Stephenson was one of the best young players in the league and that "we couldn't be more thrilled."
Asked what he will bring to the Hornets, Stephenson said: "I"ll help bring that edge and playoff experience.... I think we're ready."
We're moving!
9 years ago
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9 comments:
Can you people in the media please stop talking about him blowing in LBJ's ear? It's not like he punched anyone. He blew in his ear, that's it. I see talking about it during that series, but to define this young man by that single action is absurd and has gotten way past being old now.
Welcome to the Hornets and the city of Charlotte Lance. I personally would rather have him here than Hayward anyway, especially for what we are paying him. I personally can't wait for the season to tip off. Live at the Hive!!! #BuzzCity
The Hornets need to sign Lamar Odom. We can make this a second home to New Yorkers. His New York teamates will straighten out his head. I think we can get him for a steal. What do my other brother and sister Hornets think?
Lamar Odom is over the hill, washed up. Id rather sign Carlos Boozer or Emeka Okafor if we are looking for another veteran big man to sign.
$5 says Unknown is actually Lamar Odom
Go get em Lance! This is a great opportunity to show the rest of the NBA what kind of player you can become. Stephenson will help the offense because he's a play-maker scoring and passing. But man that perimeter defense will be nasty with Stephenson and MKG!
I'm worried about ball movement. Walker isn't a true pg, McRoberts was responsible for a lot of that and now he's gone. I'm not sure about Lance. I hope he comes in and can help with that as well as scoring. Also concerned about Lance and PJ on the same team playing the same position. Really hope I'm wrong about that but I see them butting heads.
Lance averaged more assist a game than mcroberts
Sorenson nails it: "His antics during the NBA playoffs had nothing to do with being competitive. I hope nobody is gullible enough to believe that. His antics had to do with him losing control."
Seems odd to me that Hardy has about 0% chance of sticking in Charlotte because of domestic violence issues but Looney Lance who is clearly unstable and has had similar legal issues is being welcomed...
I thought LBJ was dead??? Lol
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