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Charlotte Hornets a sleeper?

By Andrew Melnick

Mar 31, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker (15) celebrates with center Al Jefferson (25) during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats defeated the Wizards 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker (15) celebrates with center Al Jefferson (25) during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats defeated the Wizards 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a very successful 2013-2014 season, the Charlotte Hornets added forward Noah Vonleh and swingman P.J. Hairston through the draft and signed several free agents, including their big coup, former Indiana Pacers’ guard Lance Stephenson.

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That’s why Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders believes the Hornets are a real sleeper in the Eastern Conference.

"My big sleeper entering this season is the Hornets in the East. Charlotte played well last year, but I think they’ll take another huge step this season with the additions of Lance Stephenson, Noah Vonleh, Marvin Williams, P.J. Hairston and others as well as increased chemistry, internal development from their young guys and a year of experience playing under Steve Clifford. The Hornets could be one of the best teams in the East this season (which would’ve sounded crazy a year ago)."

Of course with the additions they made, especially Stephenson, on top of their success last year, they may not be much of a sleeper.

Stephenson averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game this season while shooting 49.1% from the field, 35.2% from beyond the arc and 71.1% from the charity stripe in the regular season. In the postseason, he put up 13.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He shot 45.5% from the field, 35.8% from downtown and 71.4% from the free throw line. In his four-year career, he has averaged 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 46.7% from the field, 32.5% from three and 71.1% from the free throw line.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

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