The Lance Stephenson experiment has yet to work out for the Charlotte Hornets and there are also rumors the starting shooting guard regrets his decision to move to North Carolina instead of signing with the Chicago Bulls or returning to Indiana Pacers.
After having a breakout season with the Pacers last year, Stephenson, who signed a three-year deal worth $27 million with the Hornets in the offseason, is having a disappointing season in Charlotte this season.
Stephenson, one of the most coveted free agents during the offseason, is averaging 8.3 points to go along with 4.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists this season - down from his averages of 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists with the Pacers last season.
The Hornets, who envisioned that Stephenson will help them take a huge step forward, reportedly tried to trade the enigmatic guard before the trade deadline. But while he is having a disappointing year, Stephenson denied reports suggesting he regrets his decision to sign with the Hornets.
"I love this system. I love my coaches. I love my teammates," Stephenson told reporters. "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."
Stephenson is also shooting just 37.7 percent from the field and has converted only 16 three-pointers this season compared to 86 last year. The former Cincinnati standout was bumped out of the starting lineup and is sometimes being used behind Jeff Taylor and rookie P.J. Hairston.
Hornets coach Steve Clifford admitted that Stephenson has yet to reach expectation, but he is confident that the Brooklyn native will eventually find his mark and make an impact.
"I think the biggest thing for him is he's 23 and this is the first time he's gone somewhere different," Clifford said. "He's played for the same team and same coach for four years with the same basic offensive and defensive structure."
Clifford pointed out earlier in the season the Stephenson's shooting percentage is down because he is settling for jump shots unlike last year when he made defense work by aggressively attacking the rim.
Stephenson admitted to bad shot selection, which he related to his unfamiliarity of the system, but he is now adjusting to it since the All-Star break.
"I knew what I was doing and knew how to play and I felt like I was shooting better," Stephenson added. "I felt like I was going to help our team get over that next hump."
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