Sorry, guys. I'm still a Stephenson supporter. Tons of talent and has a screw loose in his head (sound like any past Wolves?), but the desire to win is evident to me. Keep in mind he's still quite young (23 or 24), contributes in all stat categories and is very reasonably paid if you use his numbers from 2013. Numbers have slipped in Charlotte and I can think of three possible reasons why. 1) Feels like he needs to be the man since getting this new contract. 2) Playing with a ballhog at PG in Kemba Walker, resulting in lower efficiency and putting Lance back into an ISO mentality. 3) Perhaps the scheme doesn't suit him. It's rumored that Charlotte's coach is anti-Lance and wants him gone. Coach isn't even playing Lance heavy minutes in 4th quarters.
Anyways, he's certainly a guy I'd gamble on. We love Brewer on this board, but Stephenson can replicate everything he can do and that's on one of his bad days. Budinger's worthless in Minnesota, but Charlotte could use a floor stretcher and that's supposed to be Bud's strength. Basically what the Hornets get is a guy that they know will play with energy and get in transition with Kemba, MKG and Zeller. Also a sound professional to go along with some young players.
The money's about right at $9M. It also opens a roster spot for the Wolves. Keep in mind when Martin returns he could be a fine trade piece for any playoff team. Adding Stephenson, and perhaps seeing him return to his productive ways, gives us a nice chip in Martin since he'd become available.
The scary thing about Stephenson is that if he can't be controlled by teams with playoff hopes... or even title hopes... how quickly does that screw get dislodged when he's playing for a bad team without a clear leadership in place?
We also read daily on here that Rubio is the best facilitator, possibly ever. So why pair him with a ball-dominant player who wants to pound the ball but can't shoot?
How often do we realize on here that we need another ball-handler next to Rubio? That's why some, myself included, wanted to see some Mo & Ricky on the floor together. Lance hasn't always been a ballhog; he wasn't in Indy. And I think Lance would understand the type of looks Ricky could get him. Kemba isn't currently making plays for anyone on that team at a consistent level.
I don't like Lance on this team, too many issues for a young team. He would be a very bad influence on Lavine and Wiggins and probably take them out to the night life and parties even though I know they aren't old enough. I like just going status quo and not doing anything because I think this team wont be good for two years anyways, so maybe do some small trades.
The only players that I would go out of my way to call: Celtics and Kings
Marcus Thorton or Ben Mclemore.
Ben Mclemore would be my dream trade we just have too many injuries right now to make a trade and the Kings are playing for a playoff push which will change with OKC back. Once OKC comes back it could open up a trade for them because I think their owner likes Staukus alot more than Ben. Martin could help their shooting which is what they need around Demarcus
I know Mclemore hasnt played too well since being drafted put lets throw out the dice, especially since a big man looks to be the bet in this years draft.
Camden wrote:How often do we realize on here that we need another ball-handler next to Rubio? That's why some, myself included, wanted to see some Mo & Ricky on the floor together. Lance hasn't always been a ballhog; he wasn't in Indy. And I think Lance would understand the type of looks Ricky could get him. Kemba isn't currently making plays for anyone on that team at a consistent level.
I've always been under the belief that the team has needed a guy to create his own shot for himself and others. If it wasn't obvious, that part of my post was a bit facetious. I was in the small "go get Jamal Crawford" camp after his dismal season in Portland. But we've only heard from others here that letting anybody touch the ball other than Rubio is bad for the team.
But I don't dig the idea of having yet another perimeter player who can't shoot.
leado01 wrote:We have 2 players that can create their own offense (Wiggins and Bazz)...These guys need time. Please leave them together.
Nobody's trading them, but successful teams need players who can create for others. It's a team game for a reason. Neither Wiggins or Muhammad are capable of that.
