* Disclaimer * You know the drill. My opinon.
Number 5:
Lance Stephenson
2013-14 stats (W/Pacers): 13.8 PPG
4.6 APG
7.6 RPG
4.6 APG
7.6 RPG
This past year was a coming out party for the intense, yet also immature shooting guard out of Cincy, Lance Stephenson. Oh the seemingly countless memes created from Stephenson's antics in the Eastern Conference Finals are quite the laugh, from the blowing in LBJ's ear, or the playing dead after a foul. All jokes aside, Stephenson's season was one to be proud of. Stephenson didn't really put the "shooting" in shooting guard with only averaging 13.8 PPG this past year, but that's only because of Paul George's reliant offense game in and game out. When Stephenson does score it's usually with his somewhat foolhardy fearlessness driving in the lane using his strength, or with his ever improving 3-pointer rmostly on the end of drive and kick plays. Though Stephenson's scoring numbers by itself don't make him elite, the rest of his game tells a completely differnet story. Assists aren't a necesity for SGs, but it is nice to have a SG that can contribute with his passing anyaway, and Stephenson did contribute with a solid 4.6 APG this past year, especially with drive and kicks, a Frank Vogel favorite. Rebounding is even more of a nonessential stat than assists, yet it never hurts when you have a guy like Stephenson, who can muscle down rebounds like a forward with an astounding 7.6 RPG this past year. Crazy right? Well you should think so. Defense is the crowning jewel of Stephenson's game. Stephenson didn't excell at steals, but his perimeter defense was among the best at 2. Stephenson harasses and hounds other SGs with full effort and aggressiveness on ball defense. Stephenson isn't shutdown, but he could be soon. We'll see how Stephenson does on the new Charlotte Hornets, especially since he will be relied on for his perimeter scoring. What keeps Stephenson at the 5 spot? His lack of scoring, and sporadic shot selection.
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