8p9s Roundtable: Should the Pacers Trade for Lance Stephenson?
By Jared Wade
Of all the juicy Indiana Pacers rumor mill fodder we’ve seen since the end of last year, this Pacers rumor is the juiciest. Can you imagine? What if the team lost Lance Stephenson in summer free agency only to trade for him on an even more team-friendly contract than the one they were offering?
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In some ways, it’s too good to be true. In others, it would be a nightmare and could be a final stake to the heart for this undead version of the once-contending team.
Will it happen? Can it happen? Should it happen? We got the band back together for a roundtable discussion, and here are their thoughts on some pressing questions for the Pacers.
1. Should the Indiana Pacers try to bring back Lance Stephenson?
David Searle: In his short time with the Charlotte Hornets, Lance Stephenson has played like a 12-year-old running NBA 2K for the first time. Lance came into the season wanting unleash his inner superstar, and I’m not sure that he has conclusively decided that he isn’t one yet. It might be a year or two before he begins to reign his game in, and that could sabotage the Pacers. That said, the phrase “Beggars Can’t Be Choosers” springs to mind. I’m not sure that the Pacers can afford to pass on any opportunity to acquire talent, especially players with affordable contracts and long-term potential.
Jon Washburn: Yes. The risk/reward is simply too high to pass up. I understand the bitterness that many may hold towards Lance, but he would immediately become the most talented player on the Pacers’ roster until Paul George comes back. Is Lance really going to make this year’s team worse? I’m dubious. Make the deal.
SEE ALSO: Lance Stephenson’s Top 10 Moments as an Indiana Pacer
Justin Ochoa: Yes, I would love to see Lance back in the blue and gold. Not only is he a solid player who has been proven to fit into Vogel’s game plans, but he’s also a fan favorite. He can help bring back some excitement into Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Additionally, I think Lance would probably enjoy being back in Indy.
Ben Gibson: Yes, if the value is right and the starters (David West, Roy Hibbert, Paul George, George Hill) are on board with the idea. The fact that they grabbed dinner before a preseason game makes me believe that whatever was going on last year wasn’t the biggest deal in the world. I assume the front office knows if this is a terrible idea chemistry wise.
2. What do you think the Pacers can afford to give up in a deal for Lance Stephenson?
Searle: Certainly any player not expected to be in the rotation next year, and perhaps a few who will. Paul George, Roy Hibbert, David West, and George Hill are likely off the table. But Larry Bird could make any one of three players — C.J. Watson, Solomon Hill, and Lavoy Allen — available to Charlotte if a draft pick comes back to Indiana. Any other Pacer? Go for it. Scola, Copeland, Miles, Stuckey, Rudez, Sloan — it is Black Friday as far as the Pacers are concerned. “Is this a present? Would you like us to put a bow on Rodney Stuckey for you? Happy Holidays!”
Washburn: To be honest, I would say that Roy Hibbert (and obviously Paul George) is the only “untouchable” player on the Indiana roster. I doubt they would include David West in any deals, even though he would obviously help many playoff teams. The organization really values everything he has brought to the team. Luis Scola, Chris Copeland, and C.J. Miles appear to be the most likely targets.
Ochoa: I think the Pacers could afford to lose Stuckey in this deal. Actually, I don’t think this deal can happen without Stuckey being involved. Having Stephenson and Stuckey on the floor at the same time sounds like a disaster to me. It would be an awesome disaster to watch, but a disaster nonetheless. I also think that Charlotte would like to acquire a veteran leader. Seeing Scola or West go would be tough, but honestly, I don’t think losing either of them would be detrimental. I’d obviously rather it be Scola if I had to choose one of those guys.
Gibson: My guess is someone like C.J. Miles (assuming his knee is fine) and Copeland make sense contract wise. I don’t know how low Charlotte is selling on Lance Stephenson though. I doubt Pacers wouldn’t give up any of last year’s starters for him, but I imagine Scola could be packaged in a deal.