Sixers rumors: Philly attends Lance Stephenson workout

According to NBA Yahoo reporter Chris Haynes, Lance Stephenson will hold a private workout in Vegas for few NBA teams. Among those teams are the Bucks, Nuggets, Nets and Sixers.

Though it is unknown whether or not Stephenson can play at a professional level still, this workout will be able to give NBA teams the chance to answer that question.

Stephenson is iconically known for blowing into LeBron James’ ear while James was part of the Miami Heat.  Lance Stephenson shined in his time with the Pacers. He spent four years in Indiana from 2010-14, and later returned for two more seasons from 2016-2018. He also spent time with the Hornets, Lakers, Grizzlies, Clippers, Pelicans and Timberwolves. The NBA veteran is only 30 years old and would bring experience to any NBA locker room.

Lance Stephenson was never a prolific scorer, only averaging 8.6 points per game for his career, but he was well known for his up close and aggressive defense. This may be the type of player the 76ers need off their bench. A veteran who plays great defense but also is not afraid to get a bucket if needed. In a sense, the Sixers are a young team, but did help to address that in free agency. Signing Stephenson would bring key age and experience to pass on to guys on the bench like Maxey, Thybulle and Shake Milton.

Where would Lance Stephenson fit with the Sixers? 

Given the uncertainty around Ben Simmons’ future in Philadelphia, this would likely change Stephenson’s role, for the good or bad. If Simmons were to be traded for a star like Damian Lillard, Philadelphia would likely have to send young player like Tyrese Maxey and/or Matisse Thybulle to help get the deal done, which would give Stephenson more of a role on the bench. If Simmons were to be traded for other young players/picks, the 76ers bench may find itself a little cramped.

Let’s pretend Philadelphia does not make any more trades this offseason and this is what the team will look like going in to the season, with Lance possibly in the lineup. It would not be likely the team would ever use him in the starting lineup, but he would have the chance to be in the first group off the bench or the late bench rotation. Also, given his height, he can fit into the shooting guard role as well as the small forward spot.

Potential Sixers rotation with Lance Stephenson

Point Guard: Ben Simmons | Tyrese Maxey | Shake Milton

Shooting Guard: Seth Curry | Matisse Thybulle | Isaiah Joe/Jaden Springer

Small Forward: Danny Green | Furkan Korkmaz | Lance Stephenson

Power Forward: Tobias Harris | Georges Niang | Paul Reed

Center: Joel Embiid | Andre Drummond | Charles Bassey

It is unknown whether or not Stephenson will make his announcement right away or if he will take his time to decide. The team that potentially signs Stephenson will bring in an NBA veteran that can help out a team right away.