Pacers Will Offer Stephenson A Very Fair Deal

[jonathanlambert33]

Larry Bird discussed the future of Lance Stephenson and the Indiana Pacers' lead front office executive made it clear that the organization offers the best situation for the guard and still fully plans to re-sign him as a free agent in the offseason.

"If Lance isn't here, we'll plug somebody else in," Bird said. "Obviously I think this is the best situation for Lance. I worry about if Lance leaves here. This environment is absolutely perfect for him. Players know his little games. Lance is always energetic. He's always at another level. He likes to mess around in practice. Guys understand that here. It's not a bad thing, he's just energetic.

"He wants to go 100 miles an hour every time. Lance falls on the court and acts like he's been shot. Guys will walk by and tell him to get up. So this is the best environment for Lance.

"I don't know what's going to happen this summer. We want to keep him and he wants to be here. This is the best environment for him. We will make him a great offer, an offer that I think is very fair. If you look at our books, how does anyone know what's going to happen in the summer. How do they know we're not going to make trades or have more money or less money. We will try to sign Lance, but I don't worry about it. If Lance is not here, we'll get somebody else."

Via Mark Montieth/Pacers.com

 

[NV]

Granger getting hurt was a blessing for this team.
 
Stephenson has been phenomenal for them, does all the little things right and is just a spark for them on the court. 

 

[Pugz]

sounds like theyd let him walk.

 

[BwareDWare94]

He ain't going anywhere. Bird's just playing the "we don't necessarily need you" card to drive Lance's price down.

 

[elcheato]

Nice player excelling in minor role for great, contending team.
 
Overpay from middling team incoming. Think Trevor Ariza but more money.

 

[Pugz]

He ain't going anywhere. Bird's just playing the "we don't necessarily need you" card to drive Lance's price down.

you do remember larry pretty much saying he didnt like lance a few years back right?

 

[NV]

Stephenson 23 7 and 6 tonight.
 
Dude keeps impressing.