Lance Stephenson and his pals at the celebrity basketball game held at the Indiana Convention Center.
Lance Stephenson was in Charlotte with his parents Thursday afternoon to sign his first free agent contract, a three-year deal with the Hornets, which includes $18 million guaranteed.
By Friday the former electrifying guard for the Pacers was back in Indy, where has laid a lot of roots over the last four years, and it became even more clear how much he was going to miss this place.
Stephenson came through the Indiana Convention Center, where a celebrity basketball game was held – hosted by Indy promoter Amy Harris.
He didn’t have to be there. He could have easily kept to himself and those closest to him. But he wanted to help his friends, the cause, and show love for the city.
(Note: He declined an interview request, but appreciated everyone’s support.)
Stephenson, just 23, proudly lives with his family. They have a nice home in Wanamaker, Indiana – about 10 miles southeast of the city.
Though now a member of the Charlotte Hornets organization, Stephenson will keep ties with Indiana. It was Larry Bird and the Pacers that first gave the immature kid out of Cincinnati a chance in the NBA. He still has a ways to go, but he’s made great strides in maturing over the last four years.
Since becoming a starter two years ago, his image and appeal has grown as well. Hundreds of fans chant “Born Ready,’ his nickname, at every home game. While his antics steal the headlines, his skills and play always at 100 percent deserves full attention.
I don’t think it’s going to be easy for Stephenson to leave Indy come time in late September for training camp. He has to say goodbye to his idol and mentor, Larry Bird, friends on the team and the city that welcomed him with open arms. The last few years, he has began to reciprocate.
Stephenson checking out the talent at the Knox Indy Pro Am.
Just last month, he pitched at the annual celebrity softball game co-hosted by Roy Hibbert, as well as Robert Mathis of the Colts.
After attending the basketball game early Friday evening, Stephenson then moved to The Jungle, on the campus of IUPUI, where the Knox Indy Pro Am was going on. It’s an event Stephenson used to play in, and now he’s become a support of.
Lance is the primary reason why AND-1, the sports apparel company, is the presenting sponsor for the first time. Last fall, the Knox Indy Pro Am ventured outside the city to win two titles.
No matter where Lance goes, Indy will undoubtedly be a place of comfort for him. At each of his stops Saturday evening, he posed for dozens of photos with young fans. And while many wished that he re-upped with the team, ‘Born Ready’ left his mark with Pacers fans.
HD VIDEO: Watch below as Harris introduces Stephenson to the crowd and says he’s “looking like $28 million right now.”