Six NBA Teams Bound To Improve In The 2014-15 Season

May 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; NBA team owner Michael Jordan announces that the Charlotte Bobcats will change their name and branding to the Charlotte Hornets starting in the 2014 2015 season at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets (43-39 last season)

When it appeared that the Charlotte Hornets hopes of making a big acquisition with Gordon Hayward, the Utah Jazz matched the offer. The Hornets landed Lance Stephenson a few days later. Stephenson is a terrific player that is on the rise. He averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists last season. The signing of Stephenson came after the Hornets drafted two NBA ready rookies in the first round of the draft: Noah Vonleh and PJ Hairston. Vonleh is an excellent rebounder, with the ability to post up or hit the 20 foot jumper. Hairston is one of the better scorers in the draft and provides what the Hornets were missing last year, three point shooting. The Hornets also signed Marvin Williams, who averaged 9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds for Utah last season to ease off Josh McRoberts departure. After an eventful off-season, the Hornets have put themselves in the second tier of teams in the East behind Chicago and Cleveland. Expect the Hornets to win anywhere between 45 and 50 games next year and be a threat in an improving Eastern Conference.