The Pelicans have cut Lance Stephenson. The team’s 0-6 start and the number of injuries have forced management to make personnel moves. Lance was already out because he needs to undergo surgery to repair a groin injury. The roster was log jammed and they had to cut Lance so they could can sign former Suns guard Archie Goodwin. This is common place in sports but fellow NBA veteran Matt Barnes, took the news rather personally. Barnes shared the following via Instagram:
So my man Lance Stephenson busts his ass for the Pelicans, gets hurt, requires surgery & what does he get for his hard work??? WAIVED SMFH Something fans have to understand is y’all get mad when players leave during free agency or hold out for money.. We have to do what’s best for US, we have a small window to make as much money as we can.. Remember this is a BUSINESS when you can no longer serve your purpose these teams cut you trade you or bury you on the bench! Case in point, Lance gets hurt playing & needs surgery now, so instead of supporting him & helping him get healthy they cut him! #Bullshit #HoldYaHeadLilBro
Barnes has a very good point and one that I often make. To those who watch and cover sports this is entertainment, but remember it’s a business for the players. This is how they earn a living. Yes, it is more money than the average person will ever make in their lifetime. But NBA players, and all athletes for that matter, are not average.
Stephenson has not made any comments regarding the Pelicans move. Assuming he can recover from his pending surgery, Stephenson still has value for a number of NBA teams. Still, a tough thing to find out you’re out of a job.