5 most improved NBA teams in 2014-15
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets enjoyed a resurgent season last year (as the Bobcats) after inking center Al Jefferson. The addition of Jefferson gave the Hornets an anchor to build their offense around and, coupled with one of the league's best defenses, Charlotte returned to the postseason for the first time since 2010.
The Hornets made another splash this offseason, adding shooting guard Lance Stephenson to a backcourt that already includes point guard Kemba Walker. Stephenson is an immensely talented wing who adds another dimension of playmaking to fill Charlotte's deficiency.
Stephenson's presence should also help lessen the load on Walker to create shots off the dribble. Walker shot under 40 percent from the field last season in large part because he was oftentimes the Hornets' only perimeter threat.
Don't sleep on the additions of rookie PJ Hairston, Noah Vonleh and free agent signing Marvin Williams either. The Hornets suffered from a lack of depth last season and all three of Hairston, Vonleh and Williams should factor into the Hornets' rotation.
Los Angeles Clippers
The loss of a negative is a positive onto itself. That's certainly the case with now deposed Clippers owner Donald Sterling, whose dark shadow over Los Angeles has finally been lifted.
Ownership changes aside, the Clippers also managed to add complementary pieces to their core, signing center Spencer Hawes and wing Chris Douglas-Roberts.
Hawes shot 40 percent from beyond the arc last season and should provide the Clippers with a long-sought third big to add to the starting frontcourt of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Hawes's ability to space the floor should help open up the interior for the Clippers' high flyers.
Douglas-Roberts is also a solid addition, as he provides a solid defensive presence on the wing with reliable spot-up shooting capabilities to boot.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls added a former MVP in Derrick Rose, who should finally be healthy after missing most of last season due to yet another knee injury. His return alone merits the Bulls a spot on this list.
However, the Bulls also addressed their abysmal offense from a season ago with the additions of Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott.
Gasol gives the Bulls a post presence and yet another fantastic facilitator out of the high post to pair with Joakim Noah. Gasol isn't the All-NBA player he was in his prime, but he still managed to average 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last season.
Mirotic and McDermott are both rookies, but their shooting and versatility should also benefit the Bulls. McDermott is a talented scorer who excels in catch and shoot scenarios and Mirotic was named the MVP of the Spanish League in 2013.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks cornered the market on Chandlers this offseason, reacquiring center Tyson Chandler and signing Chandler Parsons in free agency. The trio of Chandler, Chandler and Dirk Nowitzki forms one of the best frontcourts in the league.
Tyson Chandler should reprise his role as the anchor of Dallas's defense, a formula that worked for Dallas in 2011 during their championship run. Admittedly, Chandler is older and battled injury and attitude issues in New York last season, but he fits the Mavericks' need like a glove.
Chandler Parsons gives the Mavericks a versatile wing who can play a variety of roles. Parsons is a smart player with a well-balanced skill set, being able to spot up, handle the ball and create. He can also play both forward positions.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers added Mike Miller and James Jones, so it's pretty much a wrap for the league.
Oh, and they also signed LeBron James and traded for Kevin Love. They're pretty decent, too.