Prospect from a has-been

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It’s a helpless feeling for Stephenson, whose rising star peaked in 2013 when he signed with the Charlotte Hornets for $27 million. Now, he finds himself in New Orleans, guaranteed nothing more than $100,000 and the hope of an opportunity start over.

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“It’s like being a rookie again,” Stephenson said. “It’s trying to earn your respect and show everyone that I’ve been working hard and I’m not losing it. So, I mean, now, I’m just trying to prove everybody wrong. It’s just like when I came in my rookie year.”

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“I’m just trying to be a leader,” Stephenson said. “I’m just trying to help my teammates in practice. I want to be the first one here and the last one to leave. I’m not really vocal, but I just try to show it by being here early and getting with the coaches to show I’m really focused and trying to help the team win.”

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