People forget that Lance Stephenson was actually the Hornets' second choice. Their big free agency wing acquisition was going to be Gordon Hayward. They offered a full four-year max for the Utah swingman, which the Jazz matched. At the time it was a controversial decision for Utah. The Hornets subsequently swooped in after the Pacers couldn't and wouldn't meet Stephenson's price.
Since then the Jazz have seen Hayward play at a near-All-Star level for one of the West's up and coming teams, and Stephenson? Well, he's been a disaster in Charlotte, to the point where he's gotten two DNP-CDs. For a team hunting for a playoff spot, that's unimaginable to bench the big free agency acquisition. Even more maddening, both sides maintain they don't regret making the marriage happen. From the AP:
"Not at all," Stephenson said. "I love this system. I love my coaches. I love my teammates. Some people come into systems and fit right in. Some people it takes time. I feel like with me I'm going to take time."
Clifford refuted the idea that signing Stephenson was a mistake.
He said Stephenson still has a chance to make an impact with the Hornets in the future, although he indicated he'll stick with the same rotation he used against the Celtics moving forward.
via Struggling Stephenson doesn't regret signing with Hornets.
Those may just be nice words said to keep everything out of the media, and what happens this summer will be very interesting. The Hornets have been the league's biggest disappointment this season; I had them winning the division for crying out loud. They need a major overhaul and after his great work in 2014, Steve Clifford is likely under fire as well. But spending the money they are on Stephenson for him not to play just isn't sustainable.
Either Stephenson has to make a major jump or the Hornets have to figure out a way to move on, and upgrade at the same time. No small feat.
