CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 24: Lance Stephenson #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts to a call against the Los Angeles Clippers during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 24, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
NBABy Liam McGuire on

Given that former Indiana Pacer standout guard Lance Stephenson worked out for the Cavaliers yesterday, it’s a great time to revisit when the Charlotte Hornets signed Stephenson in July 2014. After the end of the 2013-14 season, the Hornets set their sights high in the free agent market, signing then restricted free agent Gordon Hayward to a four-year, $63 million offer sheet. However, that wasn’t meant to be, as Utah matched the offer and signed Hayward to an extension. Instead, the Hornets signed their backup plan, Lance Stephenson to a three-year, $27 million deal.

At the time, Stephenson was coming off a stellar, but tumultuous, season with the Pacers. Many saw the signing as a boom for the Hornets, especially given the reasonable price they paid for Stephenson.

Some even thought the Hornets dodged a bullet when the Jazz matched their offer for Hayward.

Over at the SwarmandSting.com, the Hornets FanSided affiliate, author Reece Helms claimed the signing put the Hornets back on the map.

“Not only does Lance make the Hornets a legitimate contender in the East, but he puts them on the national radar, and the map of the NBA.”

Despite the optimism, Stephenson didn’t live up to his billing.

Stephenson lasted a single season with the Hornets averaging just 8.2 points per game. As a result, Charlotte was not a contender in the East, as they failed to qualify for the playoffs with a mediocre 33-49 record. While the Lance signing seemed valuable at the time, it depreciated quickly. Stephenson was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in the offseason, who then traded him to the Grizzlies later in the year. In 2016-17 he signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, but was waived after suffering a groin injury.

Hayward, meanwhile, is a very productive player for the Jazz. He’s currently averaging 21.6 points, 3.5 assists and 5.7 rebounds. He also earned his first All-Star Game appearance this season.

Stephenson’s career has been derailed due to injuries, but even when healthy, it’s easy to think that the Hornets wished the Jazz didn’t match that Hayward offer sheet.