Lance Stephenson: The Point Guard of the Future

IndyStar’s Gregg Doyel decided to join in the news-breaking fun Monday afternoon, announcing that the Pacers will start Lance Stephenson at point guard.

It seems like every bit of news that comes out about the Pacers recently is depressing. Paul George took the hearts of the fans, ripped them out and stomped on them. The fans are sad, the team is sad, I’m sad, you’re sad.

But today, Gregg Doyel of the Indy Star blessed us with some good news. He announced on Twitter today that, amid the Pacers rebuild, new President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard would entertain the idea of playing Lance Stephenson as the teams point guard.

There are so many levels to this news, it may be hard to react big enough. It was also mentioned in the tweet that Lance had “lost 10 plus lbs, and [he] looks great”. So, for a first level of reaction, awesome, Lance Stephenson is in shape and is going to be more effective next year!

Second level of reaction: OH MY GOSH BORN READY IS GOING TO BE THE INDIANA PACERS POINT GUARD NEXT SEASON. A James Harden lite role for Stephenson would be both amazing to witness as well as not the worst idea in the world.

Lance has pretty good handles for a wing. Remember when he put Indianapolis native Courtney Lee on the floor with his moves? (And then celebrated like the complete goober he is?)

It’s almost like he was born ready to be the wing-point guard hybrid. Last season, he averaged 6.6 assists per 36 minutes with the Pacers, which would have been a career high had it been for the full season. Lance also had his second lowest turnovers per 36 minutes in his career, only his rookie year was better in that regard. Lance could thrive as the primary ball handler.

Plus, who doesn’t want some post-PG era excitement? Lance has always been a fan favorite with his antics, from blowing in LeBron’s ear to doing hilariously unnecessary flashy passes.

(The Pacers could use those kind of plays next year. They will be tanking and will gladly take a few extra turnovers per game if they get a better draft pick.)

Plus, let’s not discount Lance on defense. Reminder: he guarded LeBron in the ECF in 2013. He has the physical tools to be a quality defender on any position one through four, and he is an excellent rebounder for a guard.

Oh, and lets not pretend his hilarious antics only happen on the offensive end of the floor. His flops are good enough that I would buy a compilation of them on DVD. Here are two of my favorites:

Masterful. The arms, the tumble, everything.

This one has it all. The erroneous flop. The fall to the ground. Rolling over like he is dead. It was all masterful.

Whether you’re ready or not, changes are coming to the Pacers roster. Thankfully, the most entertaining player on the roster may have the most entertaining role. Lance can drive to the basket, make good passes and play good defense. Maybe this experiment with him at point guard will work after all.

Next: Indiana wants to move fast on a Paul George trade

Nobody really knows what Lance will offer the team next year. But whatever it is, i’m excited for it. Get ready Pacers fans, here comes this guy: