NBA Cleveland Cavaliers

Lance Stephenson Would Poison Thriving Cleveland Cavaliers

Fresh Videos

By @GoldenPerspectv

Lance Stephenson

Sam Sharpe – USA Today Sports

Can it be? Have the Cleveland Cavaliers finally found their niche? Is this string of victories the beginning of a prosperous season for the Cavs? Who knows, but one thing is certain: LeBron James and company are winners of nine of their last 11.

The Big 3 have statistically excelled from their season averages over the last 10 games. The bench has not been very productive, but Dion Waiters did happen to post a season-high 26 points last week against the Nets. Speaking of Waiters, is trading him for Lance Stephenson beneficial for the Cavaliers?

At first glance, you’d probably think it is, but let’s take a little time to analyze the duo of players. Last year, Stephenson finished the season as a strong candidate for Most Improved Player award. He was a very well-rounded player but also was deemed one of the league’s most childish players. We all remember the shenanigans he put on display last year versus the Heat. Then the up-and-coming Charlotte Hornets picked him up in hopes that his potential would carry them to elite status.

Well, 24 games into the season, the Hornets are staring at a horrendous 6-18 record. There was great chatter in the offseason that Charlotte would now have a legit Big 3 in Kemba Walker, Al Jefferson and Stephenson, but it’s almost as if Stephenson’s arrival became cancerous to the locker room.

Last year back in Indiana, Stephenson had to be separated from George Hill and Evan Turner on different occasions. Maybe his personality doesn’t mesh well with the rest of the core in Charlotte. I have never been around any of the players, so this is just speculation, but I do feel like Lance wouldn’t be welcomed in Cleveland. He is a third option at best in Charlotte, and going to the Cavaliers would only strip his opportunities even more.

On the other hand, Waiters has caused some friction in the locker room too. Last year, there were allegations of Waiters and Kyrie Irving exchanging words, but none of Waiters’ alleged behavior has carried into this season. Other than shooting below 40 percent for the first time in his career, Waiters has been exceptional as a reserve. He led the Eastern Conference in bench points last year (14.7) but that has taken a dive due to the bulk of superiority around him.

The Cavaliers do not need another player who thrives from handling the ball. It’s tough enough to efficiently collaborate the efforts of three stars. They don’t need to add someone who overrates his true value to the mix, especially if that someone has butted heads with your team captain in recent memory.

The Cavaliers have allowed just under 97 points per game in their last 10 meetings, so let’s just sit back and watch them realize their full potential.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on