Power Ranking Every Clippers Player: Who’s Their MVP?
By Tom West
6th: Lance Stephenson
Nov 7, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson (1) goes up for a shot during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
As the Clippers’ new sixth man who’ll take the majority of the second unit backcourt minutes, Lance Stephenson has to earn a high ranking on this list. So what with the being the new sixth man, he’s in the position to emerge as one of this team’s most valuable players.
Before we proclaim him as the saviour to the Clippers’ bench, though, he’ll first need to prove himself again. We know what he’s capable of, as the kind of versatility he had to lead the league with five triple doubles in 2013-14 doesn’t just go away. However, after shooting 37.6 percent from the floor and making a measly 17.1 percent of his threes last season, Stephenson will need some time to reach top form again.
That’s where the star power and leaders around him can help.
His creativity and playmaking will be key in diversifying the Clippers. Even in the worst year of his career with the Charlotte Hornets, he still averaged 5.5 assists per 36 minutes. Furthermore, his ability to attack the basket is something that the Clippers and their host of three point shooters lack. He uses his strong, 6’5″, 210 lbs frame to attack the paint through smaller guards and uses his speed and handles to beat slower defenders off the dribble. As a result, he’s made 65.6 percent of his shots within three feet over the course of his career.
With his passing and aggression when attacking the paint in mind, not to mention his competitive defense and rebounding, Stephenson has the perfect opportunity to reach his potential in L.A. and help improve the Clippers’ primary areas of weakness.
Because of the fact that a lot of the team’s second unit success hinges on the performance of Lance, he has to be given a high ranking in this list.
Next: Paul Pierce