Five Players The Houston Rockets Should Target In Free Agency
By Mario Hicks
May 30, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (left) posts up against Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) during the first half in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
3. Lance Stephenson: 13.8 ppg, 4.6 apg, 7.2 rpg
Lance Stephenson had a breakout season last year. In his second season as the Pacers starting shooting guard, it was evident that the former second round pick was a lot more comfortable. Stephenson finished second in this year’s Most Improved Player Of the Year award. He had career highs in all statistical categories; most importantly his field goal percentage as he shot almost 50% from the field.
At 6’5” 230 pounds, Stephenson is a tenacious defender. He takes on the challenge of guarding the other team’s best players, every single night. His lateral quickness and strength make him an effective defender. Stephenson provides energy and effort on both ends of the floor, but more importantly the defensive end. As teams slow the ball down in the playoffs, the Rockets will need to improve in the half court defense and Stephenson can definitely help in that department.
With Chandler Parsons future as a Rocket looming, Stephenson could replace Parsons if indeed he leaves. Stephenson can provide some of the defensive intensity on the perimeter that the Rockets lacked last season. His antics can be a distraction to a team, but if he can stay focused on the floor he can provide great value. As ridiculous as him blowing in Lebron’s ear was, in the playoffs, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Stephenson played an instrumental role in locking up the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Stephenson reminds me of a milder version of a Ron Artest. You never know what is going to happen but you do know he is going to give his all, every night. The price tag on Stephenson is up in the air because of his distraction potential, however, at the right price Stephenson could be the high risk-high reward player, the Rockets could use.