NBA Offseason: Indiana Pacers Summer Goals

Lance Stephenson

May 28, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Fans cheer as Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) makes a three pointer as the the third quarter ends against the Miami Heat in game four of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Mentally Ready

Right now, I am inserting Lance Stephenson as that fifth starter, but there’s always that idea that Danny Granger comes back and gets a starting role.  For Stephenson, that means he has to be mentally ready for that. I know fans believe Stephenson starting and Granger off the bench is the best way to go, but we’re not running the team, and if the coaches want to switch it up they will.  If I am Stephenson, I don’t take it as a downplay on my game, but I take it as what makes this team better.  If Stephenson can bring that same energy he did coming off the bench, that the bench becomes immensely better than last season.  But he has to be in that right mind set for whatever may come this season, and I believe he’ll be ready for that.