Lance Stephenson

"Born Ready" should change his name to "Still Ready" after last season's performance. Following a two-year hiatus from NBA action, Stephenson returned to play six games for Atlanta and 40 for Indiana in which he averaged 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Stephenson had some highlight moments, including a 20-point first quarter in his first game back in Indiana, setting a franchise record for first-quarter points and an NBA record for first-quarter points off the bench. In his only start, Stephenson went off for 24/9/8 against Atlanta. Indiana should take a look at bringing him back to provide a veteran presence in a locker room full of youngsters.

Stephenson had surgery shortly after the season ended, but he's already back on the floor shooting. This won't have any impact on Stephenson's status for the season, though he won't be much of a fantasy asset in Indiana, barring injuries that move him up the depth chart.

Down big for most of the game, Stephenson got some extra shots up in the fourth quarter and turned them into his fourth 20-point game of the season and first since Feb. 13. It was a nice effort from the veteran (who’s come back with a vengeance this season), but there’s no reason to think he’ll be scoring 25 on the regular, even if we expect Indiana to be blown out or shorthanded frequently.

Stephenson was back in the rotation after a four-game absence, and he did not offer a whole lot. He's already on the waiver wire in most leagues, and that should remain the case moving forward.