Aldridge has us ranked as 3rd most improved behind the Cavs and Bulls.
3) CHARLOTTE HORNETS
2013-14 RECORD: 43-39, lost in first round
ADDED: G Lance Stephenson (three years, $27.4 million); G Brian Roberts (two years, $5.5 million); F Marvin Williams (two years, $14 million); F/C Noah Vonleh (first round, 9th pick overall); G P.J. Hairston (Draft rights acquired from Miami)
LOST: F Josh McRoberts (signed with Miami); G Ben Gordon (signed with Orlando); F Anthony Tolliver (signed with Phoenix); G Luke Ridnour (signed with Orlando); C Brendan Haywood (traded to Cleveland); F Derrick Powell (traded to Cleveland)
RETAINED: G Jannero Pargo
THE KEY MAN: C Cody Zeller. With the versatile McRoberts departing, the second-year Zeller will have to absorb bigger minutes this season playing next to Al Jefferson. The Hornets raved about Zeller's athletic gifts when they took him fourth overall in 2013. Zeller isn't the shooter McRoberts was and no one expects him to be, but he'll have to rebound and defend to earn his keep.
THE SKINNY: Nobody got better bang for their buck this summer than the Hornets, who spent just under $47 million -- about $1 million more than Dallas did for Chandler Parsons -- to bring in Stephenson, Williams and Roberts, three players that will fill specific needs for an already-good playoff team. (None of that would have happened if Utah hadn't matched the $63 million offer sheet the Hornets gave restricted free agent Gordon Hayward. The best laid plans, you know?) Stephenson was an All-Star caliber two in Indiana last season, showing his improvement as a passer to go with his shooting and defensive skills. For all of his issues, and they are real ones, he was one of the few guys that competed in Game 6 against Miami in the playoffs, when many of his teammates mailed in their efforts. And he's just 23 years old. In Charlotte, his presence will definitely make things easier for Jefferson and Kemba Walker. Williams was coveted by several other playoff teams and is a veteran who'll balance the floor. Roberts played very well for the Pelicans last season, with a True Shooting Percentage higher than John Wall, Reggie Jackson or his now-teammate, Walker. Vonleh was a top-five pick on many Draft boards before sliding just far enough for Charlotte to be able to snag his incredible length and rapidly developing game. The Hornets were already a top-10 team in defensive rating, opponent field goal percentage and points allowed. With Stephenson and Vonleh teaming with the likes of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte could have the makings of a lockout, championship-caliber unit.
