NBA 2014 Free Agents: Lance Stephenson Is Perfect Fit For The Bulls! Chicago To Pursue Tough Guard! Will He Move If Pacers Fall Short?

Lance Stephenson of the Indiana Pacers was snubbed at the All-Star Game, and he will vent his anger on the court. Such ferocity may give him more valuable accolades, or a bigger contract. The Chicago Bulls may be the team that makes the offer.

Stephenson felt like he was not appreciated. Not by his team, but by the fans who did not vote him as a starter (over Dwyane Wade) or the coaches who did not name him as a reserve. While his own coach, Frank Vogel, will coach the East Team, the reserves are a consensus of all the coaches. From the Indianapolis Star: "I'm mad. I feel like I had my breakout year last year. I showed I can play with anyone on the floor and I felt like this year, I brought a little bit more to my game. But other people saw it differently. I'm just going to keep working hard and prove everyone wrong."

Stephenson leads the league in triple doubles and is one of the vital cogs that led the Pacers to the best record in the East (OKC Thunder just passed them in the standings).

Despite the snub, Stephenson is sure to be appreciated when he becomes a free agent. A strong, defense oriented guard who can also score, that's a great fit alongside an All-Star Guard like Derrick Rose. Coach Tom Thibodeau lives for players like Lance.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports: "If they fail to land a star of the magnitude of Anthony or James, there is a consolation prize. The Bulls would love to nab Lance Stephenson from the Indiana Pacers, move Jimmy Butler to the three and add highly touted Nikola Mirotic after using the amnesty clause on Carlos Boozer. That would give them a talented roster, but still not a great one."

That may be true. It's the reason why Lance is not an All-Star. Great as he's been playing, the shadow of Paul George keeps him away from the spotlight. Yet, the presence of George is one of the factors behind Stephenson's development. George will always draw the defense.

The Bulls will be a major player this summer. They did not trade a ten-year veteran for nothing.