Hornets officially sign Lance Stephenson, Michael Jordan 'played a big role'
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The Charlotte Hornets have made their biggest signing of the offseason official, announcing their inking of shooting guard Lance Stephenson at a press conference Friday.
Stephenson is locked up for at least two years, with a team option for a third. The deal will pay him $27 million if his option is picked up in Year 3.
IT'S OFFICIAL! Welcome to #BuzzCity, @StephensonLance! pic.twitter.com/jgNJWwqtFT
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 18, 2014
Here's some of what Stephenson had to say about his new NBA home:
"I feel like we're young & talented (here). I can help bring the edge & the playoff experience. We have a lot of great players on the team"
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 18, 2014
"Coach Clifford has a lot of defensive experience. He pushes his players and I need that as in coach. He'll push me and help us win"
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 18, 2014
"Michael Jordan played a big role (in recruiting me). He told me what he likes about me and what I can bring to the table" -@StephensonLance
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 18, 2014
"The fans out here, I feel like this is home. I have family out here. Coach will push me, and I'm just happy and thrilled" @StephensonLance
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 18, 2014
"When I walked through the city fans welcomed me. I feel comfortable here, when you feel comfortable you tend to play better on the floor"
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 18, 2014
He also wanted to make sure that fans in Charlotte know he's not just a one-trick pony:
Stephenson: "I bring more to the table than blowing in someone's ear."
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) July 18, 2014
Not that he's been doing much to dispel that notion: