Should the Indiana Pacers bring Lance Stephenson back for a third stint

Selective success is rare in the NBA, but for the Indiana Pacers, it’s a notable, recurring theme for one of their former players. Lance Stephenson, who has enjoyed two separate successful stints on varying degrees with the Blue and Gold, is once again eyeing a comeback.

Dubbed by many as “Born Ready”, the 12-year veteran is a beloved figure in Indianapolis, and for good reason. In one of the franchise’s best stretches in the early 2010s, Stephenson was a pivotal player for Indiana, oftentimes playing second or third fiddle to then-franchise player Paul George. While his game was still in the making, he was one of the leaders of those tough Pacers teams which flirted with the NBA Finals on multiple occasions.

Former Indiana Pacers cog Lance Stephenson is eyeing an NBA comeback

While his rising stock in the league came crashing after an unprecedented move to Charlotte started a game of hot potatoes where he bounced around the league, Stephenson reunited with the Blue and Gold before the 2016-17 season ended. His good stretch at that season’s end continued onto the next season, his final year with Indiana, where the Pacers overachieved with Victor Oladipo as the alpha guy and him as the de facto sixth man.

Born Ready has been out of the league for the past two seasons, but he’s reportedly conducting a private workout and some teams are expected to express interest. However, does it make sense for the Indiana Pacers to pursue Lance Stephenson for a third stint?