'Time For New York!' Lance Stephenson Wants Knicks to Host NBA Comeback

Lance Stephenson's shortlist for an NBA comeback from Puerto Rico includes the New York Knicks.

It's been a long time since Lance Stephenson played a home game in his hometown. The longtime NBA veteran is looking to remedy that.

Stephenson, 32, disclosed his desire for an NBA comeback to Tashara Jones of the New York Post. Born in Brooklyn, Stephenson has played 10 NBA seasons with eight different teams and is best-known for his four campaigns as a member of the Indiana Pacers. His most recent Association action came with Indiana and the Atlanta Hawks during the 2021-22 season. 

More recently, Stephenson played with Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico, averaging 20.3 points in four appearances. The Abraham Lincoln High School alum, however, once more has eyes on the NBA.

“I definitely miss the NBA now that I am playing in Puerto Rico," Stephenson told The Post. "I did not want to leave. So my goal right now is to get back in there and show them that I am born ready."

If or when the NBA opportunity arises, Stephenson has two teams in mind.

“I think it is time for a New York team," Stephenson said. "I want to play for the (Brooklyn) Nets or the (New York) Knicks, either one would do."

Stephenson holds a bit of a notorious spot in Knicks lore, playing a major role in New York's elimination from the 2013 NBA Playoffs, averaging 11.7 points and 8.2 rebounds in the Pacers six-game series win. The Cincinnati alum helped deal the final blow with a 25-point, 10-rebound showing in the clincher. 

Capable of playing multiple positions, Stephenson gained a reputation as a bit of a defensive pest during his heyday, picking up considerable notoriety when blew into the ear of LeBron James, then of the Miami Heat, during a 2014 postseason get-together. Stephenson would ironically unite with James in 2018 during the latter's first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

With the Knicks' backcourt picture even more crowded with the arrival of Donte DiVincenzo from Golden State, Stephenson probably wouldn't have a clear role on the current New York roster. Though noticeably smaller, it's possible he could take over for the traded Obi Toppin as Julius Randle's primary relief at power forward.

After years of high school and streetball experience in New York, however, Stephenson will likely accept any role in either Manhattan or Brooklyn if it means taking on professional duties in a metropolitan setting. 

“I feel like I did enough for people to remember me and know me as one of the top players that played in New York,” he said. “I feel like I am just New York.”

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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