The roster replacement for guard Rodney Stuckey is a familiar face to Pacers fans: Lance Stephenson.
The Pacers signed the free agent to a contract, the team announced Thursday. The Pacers play in Toronto on Friday, but Stephenson will join the team in Cleveland for Sunday’s game.
Stephenson takes the roster spot occupied previously by Stuckey, who was waived Wednesday.
Stephenson, a 6-foot-5 guard/forward, played four seasons with the Pacers after being drafted in the second round (40th overall) in 2010. He averaged 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in the regular season and 10.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists in the playoffs, including twice in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Stephenson left Indiana as a free agent after signing with Charlotte in 2014. He also has played for the Clippers, Grizzlies, Pelicans and, most recently, the Timberwolves. He has career averages of 8.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
“We’re very happy to have Lance back as part of our team,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird. “We always knew he wanted to come back here, and we feel now is the right time, not only for the rest of this season, but moving forward. We look forward to having a long relationship with him, because we know what he can bring to our franchise, both on and off the court.”
