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Lance Stephenson’s performance this season so far will leave many surprised when they hear that he has been a regular starter for the Indiana Pacers for just over a year.
Drafted in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft as 40th pick by then president of basketball operations for the Pacers Larry Bird, nobody gave much attention to this kid from University of Cincinnati. Post his first season at the starting shooting guard position here is what he had to say.
“I always knew I was talented,” Stephenson said. “I just needed the opportunity and confidence, just playing in a game, getting used to my teammates and getting used to the flow of the game. I always knew I could definitely play in an NBA type of game.”
Stephenson’s growth into an important role for the Pacers has shocked one and all but as come as a happy surprise to the Pacers’ management and fans. Although he earned the name with his play last season, calling NBA’s Ultimate X-Factor would be insulting to this season consistent performance.
He is the top candidate for Most Improved Player award this season and the reasons do not need any head scratching but here they are:
Offensive Effectiveness
Stephenson is a nightmare matchup for one on one defenders and has an unbelievable ability to finish strongly at the rim.
His scoring average has improved from 8.8 to a career high of 12.1, rebounding average has gone up by 2.3 to a career high of 6.2 and he averages career high 4.9 dimes per game. 3 of the 12 triple doubles recorded in the NBA this season are credited to his name, the only player with multiple triple doubles.
While Roy Hibbert mans the paint and Paul George attracts all the MVP talk, it’s the Stephenson who makes the Pacers click with his all-round performance.
Despite having more attempts at the basket than previous season, he is shooting career high percentages of 46.5 and 37.5 from the field and long range respectively.
At his size his impressive ball handling ability reduces the playmaking load of team superstar George and also hands point guard George Hill, a career 37.5 three point shooter, more spot up opportunities.
Here s a recap of Stephenson’s triple double against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The little things
These might not be remembered as important things when you look back at games the Pacers have won but Stephenson is the player who does all the little things to make 23-5 record Pacers who they are.
He can up the tempo on offense if the team’s half court set gets to stagnant. He can take the defensive responsibilities of the opponent’s best player to allow George to save energy late in the game on the other end of the floor.
His stats do not dominate any category. He is no condition to make a challenge to Chris Paul in the assists leaders category, his position on the floor does not require him to put up big rebounding numbers and he is not a go to offensive player for the Pacers in the closing moments yet the numbers he has recorded simply cannot be overlooked.
Players with his level of intensity have always had chemistry among their issues but Stephenson is a key and integral part of the Pacers roster and most importantly his team respect and understand his importance.
His teammates agree that it is hard to ignore the effect his production has on the team’s performance each night however Stephenson is unfazed by the fame and the talks of a possible All-Star nod this season.
“I’m just playing hard. I’m not really worried about that,” Stephenson said. “My goal is to just win games and help my teammates do that.”
Rate of Growth
Given his height and 230 pound frame work, defense is a category Stephenson can surely improve in.
The biggest reason behind Stephenson being a top candidate for M.I.P award is the rate at which he has grown over the first 30 odd games for the Pacers.
The increase in scoring, rebounding and assists averages is a huge proof to his growth but another huge change in his game less talked about has been his consistency. His performance is no more erratic, the Pacers a certain level of meaningful basketball every time he steps on the floor.
Whether he gets the All-Star nod or receives the individual honor, the scary thing about him is that there is only one way from him here on-upwards.
Although his numbers are showing a great jump there is a chance of much more as the season progresses especially on the defensive end.
He still gambles on a few steals and lacks the right amount of awareness on the court but after seeing signs of maturity in his game this season, it can be passed around in writing that he will be a better defender at the start of the post-season in April.
