During an interview with Sam Yip of HoopsHype, Lance Stephenson said he wants to play in the NBA again.
Stephenson currently plays for the G League Iowa Wolves, the affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“My mentality coming into the G League was to actually help the young guys get better,” Stephenson said. “Show them all the things I learned as being a vet. Trying to show them the ropes, telling them what it’s like, showing them how to play defense, showing them how to get to the hole, learning the game as quickly as possible. But, my goal is to get back up there with NBA teams. I’m actually going hard, trying to win games, and just trying to have fun out there.”
Stephenson is averaging 15.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.1 blocks for the Iowa Wolves while shooting 44.8% from the field, 32.9% from beyond the arc and 96.9% from the free-throw line. The team is 6-15.
A Brooklyn native, Stephenson has career NBA averages of 8.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.1 blocks with the Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks.
“Leadership. Definitely, helping young guys. Winning mentality, just that edge on the defensive end,” Stephenson on what he could bring to an NBA team right now. “A lot of teams need help with defense, especially during the playoffs. Tough guys that can play defense and lock down and win games. I can bring any edge that a coach needs.”
Stephenson last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season. He appeared in 46 games with the Hawks and Pacers and averaged 8.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.1 blocks.
“Being in the NBA is no low moment,” Stephenson said. “You know how hard it is to get into the NBA? It’s hard for me to get in the NBA right now as a vet, and I’m established. Being in the NBA is a blessing. I grew up playing basketball and for me to be able to do that and support my family and have fun doing it. I don’t feel like there’s no low moments. Even if you’re not playing, you’re cheering, you’re clapping. Come on, man. You in the limelight. It’s a blessing to be on an NBA team, so I don’t have no low moment in the NBA.”
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