The New York Knicks have expressed interest in Lance Stephenson as a defensive stopper—their antidote to LeBron James. Stephenson is 25 years old and certainly shows potential. He is versatile, which should fit Jeff Hornacek’s system.
However, Stephenson is a terrible choice. Yes, he averaged 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists during last season when he played for the Memphis Grizzlies. That was for 26 games. His numbers went up in the playoffs too, albeit it was in just four games. He has plenty of upside. The Knicks don’t have the room to gamble on it.
Too Many Player Questions
The Knicks added Courtney Lee, Brandon Jennings, and Derrick Rose. They are filled with other guys who fill Stephenson’s position and role. Where are the Knicks going to find the minutes? The upside is the mantra for half the guys on the roster. Phil Jackson has made some inspired moves. If they all work out or even some of them work, Jackson and the Knicks front office look like geniuses. Adding another gamble into the roster gets the team nowhere. It just adds another question mark to the future. If the worst happens and none of it pans out, the Knicks are deep in debt with a roster full of injured players. Is that really worth Lance Stephenson?
His Success and Failures
The player himself is wildly inconsistent. He nearly destroyed the rebuilding Charlotte Hornets. He is prone to ball hogging, questionable shots, and forgetting plays. His three point shooting has been as high as 35% and as low as 17%. That are his season numbers! The Knicks are already going to have to get creative with Derrick Rose’s shot selection. If they add Stephenson it would be another headache for the coaching staff.
The New York Knicks need to let someone else make the mistake on Lance Stephenson. He had one full good season in his entire career. The Indiana Pacers enjoyed a three in advanced stat value. When Stephenson replaced someone his team scored three more points on average. In comparison, Lebron James lowest of his entire career was 3.1. That was his rookie year. Stephenson is not worth it.
Video Exhibit
There are endless videos of Stephenson’s terrible plays. ENDLESS. VIDEOS.
Main Photo
Dec 2, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Indiana Pacers shooting guard Lance Stephenson (1) reacts to fouling out of the game during the fourth quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. The Blazers won the game 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
