Lance Stephenson Injury: Updates on Hornets Star's Pelvis and Return

The reborn Charlotte Hornets have been without star guard Lance Stephenson battled a pelvic strain. Stephenson is finally returning to action on Wednesday.

Continue for updates.

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Stephenson to Return vs. Spurs

Wednesday, Jan. 15

The Charlotte Hornets confirmed that Lance Stephenson will return tonight vs. San Antonio:

On Tuesday, the Hornets passed along comments from head coach Steve Clifford on Stephenson's potential return:

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Stephenson Remains Out vs. Knicks

Saturday, Jan. 10

The Hornets' official Twitter feed reported that Stephenson would miss his fourteenth straight game on Saturday:

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Stephenson Misses Multiple Games

Thursday, Jan. 8

Lance Stephenson will miss his 13th straight game on Thursday against the Toronto Raptors confirms the team's Twitter account:

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Stephenson Still Not Cleared

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reported on Lance Stephenson's condition as he continues to recover from a pelvic strain:

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Shooting guard Lance Stephenson participated in a few drills in practice Tuesday but is still not cleared to do any change-of-direction motions and appears to be far away from being ready to play. Stephenson has missed the past seven games with a pelvic sprain.

"

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Stephenson Out Next Two Games

Saturday, Dec. 27

Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer provides an update on Stephenson's status:

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Stephenson Could Return Monday

Friday, Dec. 26

Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer has the latest on Stephenson:

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Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Lance Stephenson (pelvic sprain) won’t play Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder or Saturday against the Orlando Magic.

 In fact, Stephenson recovering in time to play Monday at home against the Milwaukee Bucks might be a reach, Hornets coach Steve Clifford said at morning shootaround.

 I think we had a good idea he’d be out longer – it’s a tough (injury) day-to-day; where it is makes it hard to know,” Clifford said. “I didn’t think he’d be ready to play this weekend.

 (Monday) at the very earliest. He hasn’t been able to do anything. He’s just getting to the point where he can even shoot.

 

"

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Stephenson Out With Pelvic Strain

Saturday, Dec. 20

Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer provided the timetable for Stephenson's return:

Stephenson, 24, signed with the Hornets over the summer thanks in large part to the presence of Michael Jordan in the front office, according to his agent (h/t Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv):

The Hornets weren't the only team in on Stephenson, but issues in Indiana made teams skeptical about giving him a long-term deal. Sean Deveney of Sporting News wrote in April that the player was starting to wear out his welcome in some circles:

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One league executive said the problems that have arisen—the public ones, remember, not the behind-the-scenes ones—with Stephenson will cut deep into his value on the free-agent market, and that a deal worth $7 million-$8 million per year is more likely to be Stephenson’s range now. ...

But he has become somewhat toxic in the eyes of those giving out contracts in the league. Just two months ago, the question was not whether Stephenson would get $40-million-plus, but simply a matter of which team would give it to him and whether the Pacers would match.

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It seems fitting that Stephenson would choose to play for a franchise led by Jordan. He wants to be one of the best players in the game, so what better spot to go than where arguably the best player ever is in charge? The Hornets needed to upgrade their offense anyway.

Last year, while the team was still known as the Bobcats, the offense averaged just 96.9 points per game. Per Basketball-Reference.com, the 103.6 points per 100 possessions was 24th in the NBA. That really offset what was an outstanding defense, which finished fourth with 97.1 points allowed per game. 

Adding a young and talented player who averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game last year is a good way to score points. Unfortunately, Stephenson's injury at least temporarily derails his quest to become an elite player and the Hornets' hopes to build off last year's 43-win playoff campaign.