Lance Stephenson staying positive despite being benched in crucial game

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When the Hornets signed Lance Stephenson last summer, it looked like a great move for both parties. The Hornets signed a talented guard with playoff experience, and Stephenson signed a deal that would allow him to sign for an even bigger deal after three years.

The deal hasn’t worked out great for either side just yet, but Stephenson says he doesn’t regret coming to Charlotte.

"Not at all," Stephenson told The Associated Press. "I love this system. I love my coaches. I love my teammates. Some people come into systems and fit right in. Some people it takes time. I feel like with me I'm going to take time."

The Hornets are just 31-42, and battling to stay in the hunt for the playoffs in a less-than-stellar Eastern Conference. Hornets coach Steve Clifford didn’t play Stephenson on Monday in a crucial game against the Celtics.

"It's a coach's decision and my job is to keep a positive attitude," Stephenson told the AP on Tuesday.

Stephenson hasn’t provided much help, as his numbers in scoring (13.8 to 8.3), rebounding (7.2 to 4.7) and minutes per game (35.2 to 25.3) have all dropped significantly during his first season in Charlotte after coming over from the Pacers. He's spent more time on the trading block than in the starting lineup.

Despite not using Stephenson on Monday, Clifford isn’t ready to write Stephenson out of the Hornets' plans just yet.

"I think the biggest thing for him is he's 23 and this is the first time he's gone somewhere different," Clifford said. "He's played for the same team and same coach for four years with the same basic offensive and defensive structure."

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