It’s been a rocky year for Lance Stephenson. One summer removed from declining a rather generous Pacers extension to accept a three-year deal in Charlotte, he was then dealt to the Clippers this past offseason. Before LA traded for him, though, they made three times as many background checks on him (61 phone calls, rather than the standard 20, per USA Today).
So you’d think he’d do everything within in his power to show his new teammates he’s turned over a new leaf and is all about sacrificing for the betterment of the team now. Perhaps then he’d win back some admirers who have soured on him after he showed so much potential in that last year with Indiana. Except, possessions like the one above against the Mavericks on Thursday night aren’t likely to create many new fans among the Clippers faithful.
Here’s another look that just focuses on Lance.
when you had two beers and hit a dutch like an hour ago but you’re good to play pic.twitter.com/6CrhsmPTus
— ☕netw3rk (@netw3rk) October 30, 2015
After kinda sorta defending Devin Harris before he launches a 3-pointer, Lance is stuck in the same spot as the Mavericks snag multiple offensive rebounds. First Ray Felton saves it and is rewarded with a corner 3-point attempt. That doesn’t fall, but Dirk Nowitzki slides in for the board and finds John Jenkins all alone at the top of the key.
Lance is easily the closest defender to Jenkins, but he doesn’t run him off the 3-point line, or even make an effort to contest the shot. If he had, he might have snagged the ensuing offensive rebound that bounces right back to Jenkins after the miss.
After Jenkins collects the long rebound, J.J. Redick slides over to take him and Jenkins flips it back out to a wide-open Dirk, who is alone at the top of the arc. Again, Lance is the closest Clipper to Dirk, but he only makes a half-hearted feint at defending him before Dirk knocks down the triplet. Doc calls a timeout at this point, hopefully to ream out Lance Stephenson.
Lance just wasn’t Born Ready to play defense. In 20 minutes, Stephenson finished 1-of-5 from the field for three points, two rebounds, two steals, a turnover and three personal fouls.
This is your new starting small forward Clippers fans.
(H/T @Netw3rk)