Indiana Pacers: Lance Stephenson earns praise from Lethal Shooter, gets second 10-day contract

The Indiana Pacers announced yesterday that Lance Stephenson has signed a second 10-day hardship contract with the team. Lance will likely sign with the team for the rest of the season, but this gives the Pacers more flexibility with the trade deadline looming.

Stephenson spent the offseason training with famed NBA shooting coach, Lethal Shooter, and he give Lance high praise. After spending two years out of the NBA, he is back with the Indiana Pacers for 10 more days.

Lethal Shooter of UNINTERRUPTED’s Certified Buckets podcast had a segment to discuss their ‘certified bucket’ of the week – a shoutout to a player doing well. His mention was Lance Stephenson.

Lethal Shooter was able to work with Stephenson this offseason and had some high praise for his work ethic and performance since his return to the Indiana Pacers.

"“I was blessed to train the guy this summer, he was trying to figure out if he was going to get on a team. It was one of those moments where he was willing to train 2-3 times a day to work on (his) craft to show everyone what he can do. He is starting to show that he belongs”."

Belong indeed. Lance has been electric in Gainbridge Fieldhouse since his return. When Lance plays at home, he averages 17.3 points per game, 8.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game.

He also was the first player in NBA history to score 20 points off the bench in the first quarter. He did so during his first game back in an Indiana uniform in over 1,000 days.

"“There is no reason why Lance shouldn’t be in the NBA. He can hold his own, he has so many years left so I want to say keep up the great work, continue to be hungry – he is one of those guys who is hungry but most importantly he is a guy who listens”, Lethal says."

It is good to see Lance getting credit for his work to get back to the court. He played overseas and went back to the G-League to stay ready for the NBA level.

With the COVID-19 issues throughout teams, he was able to make his way back to an NBA roster. At 32 years old, Lance still has a lot of game left in his tank.

Now that he is back in Indiana where it all started, this Pacers season is at least enjoyable for that fact.

Lance did have a tough time against the Celtics Wednesday night, only scoring 6 points. However, his assist number was still high, as he finished the game with 6 of them.

His assists have been a fun part of his game to watch, especially alongside Sabonis. He spoke on his connection with Sabonis saying “I know that guy like the back of my hand”.

When prepping for the Indiana Pacers, the Lance at home or away stat matters. Lance did not make any of his three-point attempts last night, but he still found ways to be effective.

With Malcolm Brogdon leaving the game early after re-aggravating his sore right Achilles, Lance might continue to get bigger minutes if the team looks at sitting Brogdon for some time.

In 17 minutes last night, Brogdon went 3/7 from the field and had just 6 points.

Lance will remain with Indiana as of now through Jan. 22nd, 2022. The Pacers will play five more games in that span, at home for only one of them – the Suns.

The away games for the Pacers won’t be easy, with the Clippers, Lakers, Warriors, and the Suns for a second time.

The Pacers will need every bit of home Lance on the road to help this team stay afloat. The Pacers now sit with a record of 15 wins and 27 losses.

The only teams with a worse record than them; Pistons, Magic, Thunder, and Rockets.