After trying to acquire him for quite some time, the Los Angeles Clippers have finally acquired Lance Stephenson from the Charlotte Hornets. The Clippers will send Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes to the Hornets.
This is a trade that really makes sense for the Clippers. Spencer Hawes signed a four-year deal in the offseason last year, and really underperformed. We did not see the Spencer Hawes from the Sixer days. His shooting was lackluster, and that was all he really focused on. He was supposed to be a great role player for the Clippers, but it just did not work out. They will not miss Hawes that much, but Barnes will certainly be missed. He brought an edge to the Clippers. His defense was solid and he improved on his three point shooting. But it was obvious that the Clippers were really hurting at the small forward position, and a move had to be made. I would not be surprised if the Hornets decide to not keep Matt Barnes. He would be a great role player for some of the contenders in the NBA. The Hornets were able to save some money, and that is always important with free agency coming up.
Although Stephenson had a horrendous year with the Hornets, he should be a good fit in LA. The Clippers are forgetting about his past season, and looking back on his years with the Indiana Pacers. He shined in Indy, and can put up productive numbers on a good team. He is a great playmaker, and can create his own shot. His defense is also pretty underrated. He is not afraid to guard some of the best in the league. That will take some of the workload off of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Now, let us hope Doc Rivers gets Stephenson straight. He is known for his antics on the court. Just ask LeBron James. Stephenson can really do well under a tough coach like Rivers.
If this trade works out the Clippers hope it does, this could be the piece that helps them finally make it to the Conference Finals. It is a fresh start for Stephenson, and that might have been what he needed.
