Catching up with Lance Stephenson at the NBA's Tournament Championship Game
Stephenson — a Pacers draft pick in 2010 — hasn't played this season, but his rights were acquired by a G League team two days later.
LAS VEGAS — Two days after Lance Stephenson sat courtside at T-Mobile Arena for the In-Season Tournament championship game, the beloved former Pacers guard has a new basketball home.
The Iowa Wolves, the G League affiliate for Minnesota, acquired Stephenson from Grand Rapids Gold in exchange for Craig Randall II.
The timing is interesting because on Saturday, in my 1-on-1 conversation with Stephenson at halftime of Pacers-Lakers, he wasn’t sure what was next.
“Not sure right now,” he told Fieldhouse Files. “It’s been quiet. I’ve just been working out, enjoying life.
“I’m still ready. I’m still out there balling. I work out every day. If I get that call, I can just get on the court and be ready.”
Hence the nickname, right?
Born Ready last played professionally in Puerto Rico back in April and scored 29 points in his debut. That experience playing in The Baloncesto Superior National League was short-lived, however, and he returned home a week later.
Stephenson still calls Indy home throughout the year. He’s kept his house in Zionsville and works out daily in the area. Now more than 13 years since Larry Bird drafted him to the Pacers in the second round of the 2010 draft, Stephenson still has a tight bond with the fan base.
“It’s always love,” he said. “I still got my home in Indy so I come back and forth from Indy to Vegas. When it gets a little cold in Indy, I come to Vegas and try to get some warmness.