Lance Stephenson to remain Pacers No. 2 point guard - Indianapolis Star

There won't be any controversy surrounding the backup point guard position when Lance Stephenson returns from his sprained left ankle.

Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel said Saturday that Stephenson will resume his role of checking in for starting point guard Darren Collison late in the first quarter or early in the second. A.J. Price, who has handled that role the past two games, will go back to the end of the bench.

"We're committed (to Stephenson)," Vogel said. "That kid is a talented kid. He's going to be a tremendous weapon for us at some point. He's still got to get his feet wet. He saw virtually no time last year, so he's essentially a rookie from an experience standpoint.

"I'm very committed to seeing him develop and looking forward to him taking advantage of his skills when he starts to come around."

Stephenson, who appeared in 12 games last season, missed his second straight game because of a tender left ankle.

The offense hasn't run as smoothly when Stephenson has been on the court and he continues to adjust to running the offense. The second unit, with Price at point guard, was one of the reasons the Pacers won in Boston for the first time in almost four years Friday night.

Price pushed the tempo and made sure the ball always stayed moving.

"A.J. Price can play," Vogel said. "The offense flows when he's in the game. The ball moves, he's a great passer, a great leader of the team. I'm very glad he's on our team, too."

Price added, "It felt terrific. Throughout the whole process, I just tried to stay professional and make sure I was ready when my number was called."

Price is going through an adjustment period after playing in 106 games his first two seasons. He ended each of the past two seasons as the backup to Collison and Earl Watson.

"It's always tough when you're not playing, but that comes with being professional," Price said. "Everything takes care of itself in due time. I'm just working, progressing and trying to get better every single day. The rest will take care of itself."

Earning respect

It was anybody's guess how the Pacers would respond against Boston after they were blown out by Miami two nights earlier. The Pacers won by 13 points and earned respect from Celtics coach Doc Rivers. He praised Pacers president Larry Bird for improving the team's roster.

"They've done a great job of adding pieces and adding them quickly," Rivers said. "It's amazing to me. It's like watching a young version of us. I know, I hate to say it. But they're young, they're scary and they're good."

Etc.

Former Pacers F Darnell Hillman will have his No. 45 jersey retired by his alma mater, San Jose State University, during halftime of the Spartans' game against Hawaii on Feb. 4. . . . Tyler Hansbrough entered Saturday's game with 75 field goal attempts and zero assists. He is the only player on the team without an assist.

Call Star reporter Mike Wells at (317) 444-6053.