Edit: the Pacers have announced the signing of Lance Stephenson to a new 10-day contract, but this time a standard contract. Indeed, if he had been signed a few days ago for 10 days via a hardship exception, the Pacers no longer have players in COVID protocol and the league has terminated this contract.
He can only sign two standard 10-day contracts, after that to keep him the Pacers will have to sign him until the end of the season, which should happen.
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Edit January 11: The Pacers have signed Lance Stephenson to a new 10-day contract via the hardship exception according to Chris Haynes. No surprises and we expect him to finally be signed for the season.
Indiana Pacers are signing Lance Stephenson to a second 10-day hardship contract, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 11, 2022
January 9: Lance Stephenson was signed on January 2 for a 10-day contract by the Pacers via the hardship exception and, unsurprisingly, he visibly convinced. Marc Stein reports that the franchise should keep him until the end of the season.
It must be said that he released very good performances with 30 points against the Nets and last night 16 points, 6 rebounds, 14 assists and 4 steals. He has 14.3 points at 55.8%, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 1.3 steals.
After her performance last night, Rick Carlisle sang his praises and his impact on the team.
“It’s not even a question of stats. There’s a different energy that we really need,” Carlisle said of Stephenson. “Lance brings a different vibe to the team. It brings a spark, a personality. Of course those who knew him know it. There is a change in our team. A change in disposition, body language, enthusiasm. It’s great to see. His journey has taken him to a place where there’s just, I think, a real appreciation and a real level of gratitude for what it means to wear an NBA uniform, let alone a Pacers uniform. He impressed me by being a humble guy who appreciates everything. He was great”.
The Pacers are expected to keep Lance Stephenson for the rest of the season, league sources say, thanks to his very strong play in this third Indiana stint that has won admiration from Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.
Stephenson has one day left on his initial Indiana hardship deal.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 9, 2022
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