Never far from the public eye, Lance Stephenson's recent defection to the Charlotte Hornets has left his Dad heartbroken and many wondering if he is really bad at counting. Regardless of whether you think he is crazy, a jerk, one of the best wings in the game or some combination of all three, it's hard to argue with his ball handling ability.
Lance perfected his slick handle in the gyms and on the outdoor courts of Brooklyn - home to more than a few who know how to put it on the floor (1, 2, 3) - and his playground style looked somewhat out of place in Indiana. Not only did Coach Vogel preach and practice a defense-first philosophy, Lance spent most of his time sharing the backcourt with the solid-but-unspectacular George Hill.
This season, in a glorious union we are excited to celebrate, he'll be paired with another NYC product and crossover merchant - Bronx-born Kemba Walker. To date, Kemba has spent his NBA career toiling in anonymity on largely unsuccessful Charlotte teams. Although he's still best remembered for leading UConn to the 2011 NCAA Title, all 139 people (including us) who have tuned into a Bobcats game in the last 3 years know he can still break down his man at will.
A backcourt of Lance and Kemba should produce plenty of highlights, and plenty of headaches for a) defenders trying to stay in front of them and b) coaches trying to gameplan for them. Chris Paul and Jamal Crawford may be the reigning NBA Tag Team Champions of Ballhandling but Lance and Kemba are coming for a title shot.
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