Hornets Sign Lance Stephenson 3y/27.5 mil (p67)

[Cheeze]

Stephenson will earn what the market will bear. If that's $10M or $12M, then that will be his value. Stephenson believes he's worth more than Indiana wants to/can offer. I think he is...in today's market. Thing is, all the Alpha Dogs can dictate to the league (Lebron et al, plus Melo). That may change in the next CBA negotiations if owners hold fast.

Personally, I think players have too much restriction on their ability to move, and any time a player has the ability to chart his own course he should do it.

Regarding Stephenson, my opinion is he is an Alpha Dog; not to the level of other Alphas in the league, but in his demeanor, athletic abilities and growth potential. If Charlotte were to sign the player for anything close to $10M per year, they'll be doing so with the expectation that Stephenson will be an Alpha. That's the danger here, not cost. If you overpay a player...it happens. But if you bring in an Alpha to a team with other Alphas, the coach better be the Big Damn Alpha.

Is Clifford that coach? I wonder. But I suspect that he is, and so signing Stephenson to a big deal might work. And in the grand scheme of things, I think the player, within this system with Clifford leading, is worth his market price. Sometimes, such risk is required to reach for greatness.

[HornetJail]

Despite the Indiana Pacers' heartfelt movie tribute and presentation to Lance Stephenson, the two sides are currently at an impasse over a new deal, according to sources close to the situation.

The Pacers offered a five-year, $44 million contract to Stephenson, but sources said the versatile shooting guard believes he's worth much more.

Stephenson averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists last season -- all career-highs for the four-year player.

"Lance and his representatives aren't sure they're going to be able to reach an agreement with the Pacers," a source said. "It's clear they want him back and he wanted to go back, but they may not be able to come to terms."

Several clubs have reached out to Stephenson's agent, Alberto Ebanks, to register their interest, most notably the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, according to sources.

Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets also have interest in Stephenson.

While money is a factor, Stephenson will not simply go to the highest bidder, sources said. He wants to go to a team that is either a contender or a competitive up-and-coming club.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11166 ... e-contract

Offer 4/44 right now MJ! DOOOO IIITTT

[Kevin Johnson]

I realize the guy has some character problems but the Pacers offer is downright insulting.

Lance was the only one with the attitude to go toe to toe with Lebron and Wade and was defending them well and scoring on them as well as creating shots for others.

MJ must love the mentality of not backing down to anyone. I realize there's a risk but I don't really see any big issues. Jordan can also take him under his wing like Bird if necessary.

At least offer him a shorter term contract in the $10-$11 million range.

[MasterIchiro]

I just find it wildly entertaining, the notion that the reigning 23 year old Triple Double king is locked in the middle of a tug-of-war between two NBA legends who fought every millisecond of every game they ever played, are going to just let Lance go to their chief competitor for under 10 million/year.

Lance believes he's worth "much more" and his stance was publicized in ESPN because his agent knows what he's talking about when interviewed by Broussard.

[LofJ]

You just know Kemba is blowing up his phone right now. We Yankees like to stay aggressive.

We're assembling a team of North Easterners:

Waker - NY
MKG - NJ
Vonleh - MA
Henderson - PA
Stephenson - NY

[yosemiteben]

MKIA, do you at least concede that the Pacers' offer is not a good indication of his value, or at least where he will end up, given their cap constraints and aversion to incurring luxury tax? It seems strange that you are using their offer as vindication of what you feel like he is worth.

Avery just signed for $8M. Pistons gave Meeks around $6.5M. Lance is getting more than $10M.

[chabber]

I wouldn't be shocked if the Lakers just drop a ton of money on this kid on a short term contract. They've got to come out of FA with something.

[MasterIchiro]

MKIA, do you at least concede that the Pacers' offer is not a good indication of his value, or at least where he will end up, given their cap constraints and aversion to incurring luxury tax? It seems strange that you are using their offer as vindication of what you feel like he is worth.

Avery just signed for $8M. Pistons gave Meeks around $6.5M. Lance is getting more than $10M.

Exactly. It's an initial offer anyways. Mr. KnowItAll is squirming. It's the last blurb we'll see in the news that will support his side of our bet. The next offer from an outside team will seal my victory. We won't even have to wait for the Pacers counter offer.

[LofJ]

I wouldn't be shocked if the Lakers just drop a ton of money on this kid on a short term contract. They've got to come out of FA with something.

From what they've been saying they want to keep their books for 2016-17 wide open. I imagine they're going to try to make a hard push for Durant.

[yosemiteben]

I wouldn't be shocked if the Lakers just drop a ton of money on this kid on a short term contract. They've got to come out of FA with something.

Agreed. To be honest, Lance's agent would do well to drag this thing out. There are just so many teams with cap space this offseason.

We are very fortunate that (1) the Pacers are cash strapped and relatively cheap and (2) Lance has "character issues" that make teams nervous about him. I don't think we are even in the conversation for his services if the facts were different - he'd be getting a HUGE payday.

[chabber]

I wouldn't be shocked if the Lakers just drop a ton of money on this kid on a short term contract. They've got to come out of FA with something.

From what they've been saying they want to keep their books for 2016-17 wide open. I imagine they're going to try to make a hard push for Durant.

I had that in mind, that's why I said short term. I meant 2 years but with a large payout.

[LofJ]

The potential of a lineup of:

Kemba
Stephenson
MKG
Vonleh
Biyombo

makes me giddy. If they all develop their shots our guys 1 through 4 would each be able to lead the break (Vonleh was a point forward in HS), shoot, and defend. Oh, and we'd have the league's best rim defender waiting for anyone brave enough to try to take it to the hole. We'd be the 2000's Pistons 2.0

[mrknowitall215]

MKIA, do you at least concede that the Pacers' offer is not a good indication of his value, or at least where he will end up, given their cap constraints and aversion to incurring luxury tax? It seems strange that you are using their offer as vindication of what you feel like he is worth.

Avery just signed for $8M. Pistons gave Meeks around $6.5M. Lance is getting more than $10M.

I have no reason to concede because the Pistons and Celtics chose to overpay players contracts that they'll eventually regret in another year or two. Like I've stated beforehand, it's possible that Stephenson will receive over $10 million but I seriously doubt it, and that's why I was willing to bet because I felt like odds were on my side. From here, we'll just have to wait and see if a team will be sensible to offer Stephenson a contract within $8-10 million like his value actually indicate, or will a team reach to overpay him in excess of that out of desperation. My continued stance is that he's not worth over $10 million annually, and it'll still ring true whether or not a team overpay him or not

[yosemiteben]

MKIA, do you at least concede that the Pacers' offer is not a good indication of his value, or at least where he will end up, given their cap constraints and aversion to incurring luxury tax? It seems strange that you are using their offer as vindication of what you feel like he is worth.

Avery just signed for $8M. Pistons gave Meeks around $6.5M. Lance is getting more than $10M.

I have no reason to concede because the Pistons and Celtics chose to overpay players contracts that they'll eventually regret in another year or two. Like I've stated beforehand, it's possible that Stephenson will receive over $10 million but I seriously doubt it, and that's why I was willing to bet because I felt like odds were on my side. From here, we'll just have to wait and see if a team will be sensible to offer Stephenson a contract within $8-10 million like his value actually indicate, or will a team reach to overpay him in excess of that out of desperation. My continued stance is that he's not worth over $10 million annually, and it'll still ring true whether or not a team overpay him or not

That's quite the hedge when compared to your earlier proclamation:

"I don't have to justify logistics to you because you'd probably make me go through 20 'back & forth' posts before you'd comprehend and understand that I'm right all along when Stephenson doesn't receive more than the $10 million range like I've said from the start. I'll take the wait & see approach. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, and clearly a idiot, but I'm for sure that I won't be"

[mrknowitall215]

MKIA, do you at least concede that the Pacers' offer is not a good indication of his value, or at least where he will end up, given their cap constraints and aversion to incurring luxury tax? It seems strange that you are using their offer as vindication of what you feel like he is worth.

Avery just signed for $8M. Pistons gave Meeks around $6.5M. Lance is getting more than $10M.

I have no reason to concede because the Pistons and Celtics chose to overpay players contracts that they'll eventually regret in another year or two. Like I've stated beforehand, it's possible that Stephenson will receive over $10 million but I seriously doubt it, and that's why I was willing to bet because I felt like odds were on my side. From here, we'll just have to wait and see if a team will be sensible to offer Stephenson a contract within $8-10 million like his value actually indicate, or will a team reach to overpay him in excess of that out of desperation. My continued stance is that he's not worth over $10 million annually, and it'll still ring true whether or not a team overpay him or not

That's quite the hedge when compared to your earlier proclamation:

"I don't have to justify logistics to you because you'd probably make me go through 20 'back & forth' posts before you'd comprehend and understand that I'm right all along when Stephenson doesn't receive more than the $10 million range like I've said from the start. I'll take the wait & see approach. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, and clearly a idiot, but I'm for sure that I won't be"

Underlined and bolded is the portion to hold me accountable for. Time will tell. As of right now, neither of us are right. It's up in the air. I look forward to being a idiot

[yosemiteben]

It's funny, sometimes I can't tell if I like Lance for his fit or if its just because I think he's our most realistic target and I want us to continue to improve. I will say that for all our talk about improving our perimeter shooting, Lance's 35.2% from three is not really an improvement over Hendo's 34.8% from three, and Lance only made one 3 per game.

Makes me a little nervous, but not nervous enough to pass.

[Bassman]

Enjoy your bet guys, but frankly I just want us to get Lance. Time to get him here on a plush jet, show him around the city, have MJ, Cho, Lance and his rep at a fine dinner, and talk about championships. MJ can tell Lance how they are won, and how very good players can become great.

Seriously, why go to the Lakers, who are a total rebuild?

We have young players who could thrive (Noah, MKG, Zellar), a near all-star and a possible star (Big Al & Kemba), plus money to add to our bench. Lance can learn from the best and become the best he can be, right here, as a Charlotte Hornet.

GO GET 'EM MJ!!!

[LofJ]

It's funny, sometimes I can't tell if I like Lance for his fit or if its just because I think he's our most realistic target and I want us to continue to improve. I will say that for all our talk about improving our perimeter shooting, Lance's 35.2% from three is not really an improvement over Hendo's 34.8% from three, and Lance only made one 3 per game.

Makes me a little nervous, but not nervous enough to pass.

Lance almost attempted twice as many 3's as Henderson though. And Lance's TS% was .564, whereas Henderson's was .507. He's not an elite shooter by any means, but he's a lot better than Henderson is. It's also worth mentioning that when Henderson was 23 he attempted less than one 3 a game, Stephenson attempted more than three times that many at the same age.

[MasterIchiro]

Also Lance would have more space with Al vs. Hibbert.

[mrknowitall215]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/rick_bonnell/status/484349549469655040[/tweet]

Tricky Ricky trying to flex his muscles, as if he's not a weak source for intel of what the Hornets are doing...