Alex Stepheson/Photo by Otto Kitsinger, Getty Images
Alex Stepheson began is college career at North Carolina and finished up at USC in the 2010-11 season. But other than exhibitions, Stepheson had never played a minute in an NBA game.
The Harvard-Westlake High graduate finally got that chance with the Clippers on Saturday as he played one minute and 39 seconds of the Clippers’ 115-112 loss to the Golden State Warriors after the Clippers officially announced the signing of the 6-foot-10 power forward to a 10-day contract earlier in the day.
Stepheson, who this season made the Developmental League All-Star team while playing for the Iowa Energy, spoke to reporters before the game. He said he was somewhat stunned at the promotion.
“I was atually in practice in Westchester (New York) about the play the Westchester Knicks and coach Bob (Donewald Jr.) just came in the middle of practice and said, ‘We’ve got an announcement. Stepheson got called up to the Clippers and he’s gotta to out there right now.’
“So it was a bit of a big surprise, but we were all really excited and I was grateful.”
Stepheson, 28, played in 31 games for the Energy – all starts – and averaged 15.9 points, a league-high 13.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. He has also played professionally in Greece, Slovania and Turkey.
Clippers coach Doc Rivers, also speaking before Saturday’s game, said he liked what he’d seen on film of Stepheson..
“I just liked his size,” Rivers said. “I like that he has the gift of being a big that plays with energy. I’ve always thought that’s a skill that people discount.”
Stepheson said all the right things Saturday. He was asked if he grew up as a Clippers or Lakers fan.
“I was always a Clippers guy,” he said.
One reporter replied to him, “Good answer.” Stepheson laughed.
He admitted he had a few butterflies.
“I’m excited,” he said. “I’m a little bit nervous. I think basketball-wise, I kind of know what I can do and can’t do, so I don’t think I’m going to be too nervous on the basketball court.
“Just being out there playing for the Clippers and stuff like that, man, it’s pretty big.”
Stepheson was on the court when the reserves almost brought the Clippers all the way back back from what was a 16-point deficit with 2:27 to play. He did not take a shot, but had one big defensive rebound.
