Indiana Pacers: Lance Stephenson has signed for the remainder of the season

Lance Stephenson has officially signed with the Indiana Pacers for the rest of the season. The team announced the decision in the late hours of Feb. 02, 2022.

Lance Stephenson has played in 17 games for the Indiana Pacers so far this season. The Pacers are 19-34 this year and Stephenson has been a bright spot for the fans.

In those 17 games, Lance has put together seven games where he has scored 10 or more points in a contest. Of course, the magical return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse was an unforgettable one.

Before joining the Pacers for the third time, Lance spent time in the G-league for the Grand Rapids Gold. He would then go to Atlanta where he served one ten-day contract.

Although a few turnovers at times, it has been mostly positive in that part of his game – Lance has been a much better facilitator in this stint with the team.

The Pacers have 29 games left in the 2021-22 NBA season, so this move makes sense for both parties and now the team has a fan favorite back in the building.

Stephenson is averaging 9.4 points per game, 4.2 assists, and is shooting 48.1% from the field. He has struggled from behind the arc in his return to the Pacers, shooting 29.5% on 2.6 attempts.

He has been a joy to watch on the court when paired with his pick and roll partner Domantas Sabonis, who helped Lance attain a new career-high in assists, etching 14 against the Utah Jazz.

With more injury struggles and Sabonis missing time due to health and safety protocols, Lance has had to fill in much-needed guard depth for this team.

Lance has done much better at picking his shots and knowing when to get to the rim in his past two games, going 5/6 against the Clippers and 6/7 against the Magic.

Signing Lance for the rest of the season gives him more time to prove his improved NBA game. He has shown the ability to create shots for others and has been one of the best passers on this roster.

He has noticeably expressed a great deal of gratitude through his social media platforms after signing a few ten-day contracts with the team before this deal took place.

"“My coaches, My teammates #teamfirst and Last but not least I would like to thank the pacer nation fans, Truly amazing it’s like playing in front of family for the first time every time”, Lance said."

Stephenson has played on eight different teams throughout his career, but in Indiana, he is a different player. His energy has been great for the team in a down season.

I asked Keifer Sykes what his thoughts on Lance were and what he brings to this team.

"“It is like throwing a wildcard in a game, you saw what he was able to do (in his first game back). To be unpredictable and just have those superpowers is amazing to see and fun to watch”."

The Indiana Pacers will get that wildcard for the rest of the season and Lance is surely just as excited for the opportunity – he won’t let it go to waste.