Lance Stephenson just finished up the second NBA hiatus of his career as he didn’t play in the league during the 2022-23 season. During the 2019-20 season he played overseas in China; most recently, he played professionally in Puerto Rico.
However, if Stephenson has things go his way, he will be back in the NBA during the 2023-24 season. That is the goal that he has set for himself as he says he misses the league and he didn’t even want to leave in the first place.
“I definitely miss the NBA now that I am playing in Puerto Rico. I did not want to leave. So my goal right now is to get back in there and show them that I am born ready,” he told The New York Post.
The last time we saw Stephenson in the NBA, he was playing for the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers. He appeared in 46 games during the 2021-22 season, averaging 8.3 points, 3.6 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Far from the only veteran to see his opportunities in the NBA diminish, Stephenson isn’t blaming anyone or anything for not getting signed last season. He knows that it is tough to earn a spot on an NBA roster and is working hard toward securing one for the upcoming season.
“I don’t feel like it was a personal jab towards me to no longer be in the NBA,” he said. “There is a lot of great players. So for me not to be in the NBA right now it is OK because I know it is just another chance. There are guys coming up so I am always able to get back in there as long as I work hard.”
Stephenson has played 10 seasons in the NBA and is well-traveled. In addition to the Pacers and Hawks, he has suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves.
However, if he does have a chance to make it back into the NBA, he has a few teams in mind for whom he would like to play for next. Returning home to New York, where it all began as a kid in Brooklyn, is what he would like.
“I think it is time for a New York team. I want to play for the [Brooklyn] Nets or the Knicks, either one would do,” Stephenson said.
It is anyone’s guess if the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets would be interested in signing Stephenson at this point. The Knicks do have roster spots open and with some aspirations of becoming playoff contenders, Stephenson’s experience and hard-nosed style of play could be a fit for Tom Thibodeau. Returning home and playing in front of the fans in Brooklyn would certainly be a dream come true as well.
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