Lance Stephenson Sets Sights on Returning to the NBA with a New York Team
After spending some time away from the NBA, many veterans express their desire to return to the action through the media. However, very few of them directly mention a specific destination for their comeback. Lance Stephenson, however, is an exception.
At 32 years old, the former Indiana Pacers player expressed his desire to play for a New York team in an interview with Tashara Jones of the New York Post. “I think it’s time for a New York team. I want to play for the Nets or the Knicks, either one would do,” he stated.
The reality is that the league has forgotten about Stephenson for quite some time. Although he has played in 554 regular-season games throughout his career, he did not play a single game in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. He made a somewhat fruitful return in the 2021-22 season, participating in six games with the Atlanta Hawks and 40 games with the Indiana Pacers. However, it didn’t amount to much, as he was forced to move to Puerto Rico in the 2022-23 season after not securing a contract following knee surgery. He only played four games and now has a clear goal in mind.
“I definitely miss the NBA now that I’m playing in Puerto Rico. I didn’t want to leave. So my goal right now is to go back there and show them that I was born ready to play there,” Stephenson affirmed.
Thinking about home, it’s no coincidence that Stephenson wants to move to New York territory, as he was born in the city that never sleeps. He now feels that it would be a fantastic way to come full circle. “I feel like I’ve done enough for people to remember me and now know me as one of the best players who played in New York. I simply feel like I am solely from New York,” he concluded.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Why does Lance Stephenson specifically want to play for a New York team in his NBA comeback
Lance Stephenson Aims to Make NBA Comeback with a New York Team
After a hiatus from the NBA, many veteran players express their desire to return to the court. However, few mention a specific destination for their comeback. Lance Stephenson, however, breaks the mold.
At 32 years old, the former Indiana Pacers star recently revealed his aspiration to play for a New York team in an interview with Tashara Jones of the New York Post. “I think it’s time for a New York team. I want to play for the Nets or the Knicks, either one would do,” Stephenson asserted.
Undeniably, the league seemed to have forgotten about Stephenson in recent years. Despite participating in 554 regular-season games throughout his career, he failed to make a single appearance in both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. While his return during the 2021-22 season saw him play in six games with the Atlanta Hawks and 40 games with the Indiana Pacers, it didn’t amount to much. After knee surgery prevented him from securing a contract, he reluctantly moved to Puerto Rico for the 2022-23 season, where he only played four games. Still, he now has his sights set on a clear goal.
“I definitely miss the NBA now that I’m playing in Puerto Rico. I didn’t want to leave. So, my goal right now is to go back there and show them that I was born ready to play there,” Stephenson affirmed.
Considering his roots, it comes as no surprise that Stephenson envisions himself in the New York basketball scene. Born in the city that never sleeps, he believes returning to the Big Apple would bring his career full circle. “I feel like I’ve done enough for people to remember me and now know me as one of the best players who played in New York. I simply feel like I am solely from New York,” he concluded.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
I’m excited to see Lance Stephenson attempting an NBA comeback and possibly returning to his roots with the Nets or Knicks. It would definitely be a heartwarming homecoming story for fans of both teams. Good luck, Lance!