Lance Stephenson Compares Return to Indiana to Michael Jordan Coming Back to NBA

Lance Stephenson solidified his return to the Indiana Pacers by signing a three-year deal Thursday. Though his career has fizzled since he left the franchise in 2014, the 26-year-old still anticipates a hero's welcome.

Following Sunday's game at the Cleveland Cavaliers, Stephenson will return to Bankers Life Fieldhouse for Tuesday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. When asked by 107.5/1070 The Fan's Michael Grady about the homecoming, the mercurial guard compared it to "Michael Jordan coming back to play in the NBA."

Let's hope we was joking. Stephenson, who has played two minutes in the last three-plus weeks, is averaging 6.6 points per game this season with a 9.32 player efficiency rating, per ESPN.com.

Since finding success with the Pacers, he has played for five different teams in three seasons. Perhaps he can rekindle his 2013-14 breakout with his first NBA squad, which is currently fighting for an Eastern Conference playoff spot.

Whether or not Pacers fans warmly embrace the returning Stephenson, he's excited to see them again:    

[Michael Grady]