NBA Free Agency 2016 News & Updates: No Team is Interested of Signing Memphis Grizzlies' Former Guard Lance Stephenson – Is Playing Abroad the Only Option?
The 2016-17 NBA season is fast approaching and Lance Stephenson is among the talented names in the free agent market who remained not tied up with a contract. Several reports surfaced that NBA teams are not interested of signing the former guard of Memphis Grizzlies because of his quirky personality in the court.
A Bad Market for Stephenson
In 2014, per CBS Sports, Stephenson rejected the offer of Indiana Pacers to re-sign and opted to ink a three-year $27-million contract with the Charlotte Hornets. After a rough season, the contract of the 25-year-old guard turned into a nightmare when the Hornets traded him to the Los Angeles Clippers.
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Stephenson struggled to find a role in the Clippers and the franchise was obviously unimpressed with his lackluster performance. Last February, he was traded again to the Grizzlies in exchange for Jeff Green.
The NBA star somehow redeemed himself during his stint with the Grizzlies, averaging 14.2 points, 2.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 26 games. Unfortunately, his impressive performance was not enough to salvage the interest on him during the present free agency period; even the Grizzlies did not pick up his option.
Why Won't Teams Sign Stephenson?
According to Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, it is still uncertain why NBA teams, especially the Grizzlies, are not interested of signing a talented guard like Stephenson. However, his quirky personality could possibly be the reason why teams are scared of offering him a contract.
Cameron Stewart of Fan Sided commented that NBA teams are apprehensive of taking a shot on the impulsive yet talented guard because he can be tough to coach.
Stewart pointed out that with Stephenson being a temperamental player, teams would have a hard time finding a fitting role for him. At the same time, he would also be a big disappointment in the chemistry department of a team.
Playing Abroad is the Only Option
Washburn wrote that the lack of opportunities for Stephenson in the NBA may force him to consider working abroad. This could be in China or Europe, where former NBA stars Stephon Marbury, Michael Beasley and Andray Blatche played after their stocks sorely dwindled.
Stewart also stated that Stephenson, who has an All-Star potential, will most likely become the best player of whichever team he joins overseas. He explained that working outside the NBA would give the troubled guard the chance to play basketball the way he wants.
