Lance Stephenson is a part of the Charlotte Hornets’ new “Big Three,” but in a recent interview with the Indianapolis Star, the fiery guard admits he would’ve probably stayed in Indy if given more time to make a decision.
“I wanted to stay there but they gave me a deadline where I had to choose,” Stephenson said. “So there wasn’t no time for me to make a decision. They gave me a deadline (before) how long it (was) going to take for them to go somewhere else.
“I had to make a quick decision and me and my agent decided we would see what other teams (were) talking about.”
On July 2, the Pacers turned their attention to Plan B and agreed to terms with free agent CJ Miles. In Stephenson’s view, the Miles’ deal sealed his departure from the Pacers.
“They didn’t have nothing else. They had no more money or anything. That was basically it right there,” Stephenson said. “Soon as I said no to that offer, they went and signed CJ. I figured they thought I had no chance of coming back, they just went on and signed CJ. … I felt like it was a wrap after that.”
“They said shorter deals but it didn’t make no sense to do the deals that they were talking about,” Stephenson said. “I figured I’d just go somewhere else where I could be more happy and I feel like I’m playing (for) at least what I’m worth.”
Stephenson has goals of being considered one of the league’s best and with a little fine-tuning I believe it’s possible. Some Hornets fans won’t like how candid he was about wanting to stay in Indianapolis, but trust, that won’t take away from the way he performs for the Hornets. He is the type of gritty player that will carry that competitive attitude anywhere he is. I’m just glad he’s in the QC.