Skip to content

Stephenson doesn't regret not signing 5-year deal with Pacers in 2014

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Lance Stephenson's NBA stock has been on a free fall ever since he decided to leave the Indiana Pacers and sign with the Charlotte Hornets following a highly productive 2013-14 campaign.

Averaging 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists that year, the Pacers laid a five-year, $44-million offer in front of the then unrestricted free agent, which Stephenson ultimately turned down to seek out more money elsewhere.

Now with the New Orleans Pelicans on a one-year deal with only $100,000 reportedly guaranteed, it would be hard to blame Stephenson if he regretted not staying in Indiana and taking the money that was on the table. That's something the 26-year-old wing refuses to do, though.

"I don’t think I really chose not to go there. I don’t want to get into that, but it goes with the business," Stephenson told ESPN's Justin Verrier. "We never came to an agreement. I’m not going to say I turned it down - I didn’t do that. But I don’t want to dwell on the past. I’m happy with the position I’m in now. I’m just gonna move forward and work hard, and get back to that elite basketball player that I was."

Stephenson earned $9 million with Charlotte in 2014-15, and another $9 million last season with both the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies.

Bouncing around from roster to roster has opened up Stephenson's eyes, and made him appreciate his good days more as he seeks to get his name back on the map.

"It’s been tough, but it’s been a great experience," he added. "In the NBA, it’s all about you got to be in the right predicament. Not the right predicament, but you got to cherish the moments that you in and play hard. Because you never know. You could be on a different team within a second.

"I feel like I learned a lot. This process has made me a better player, made me see different type of games, and how people play on the court."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox