Hornets, Stephenson look to take the next step

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - New name. New uniforms. And, most importantly, newfound confidence.

The Charlotte Hornets are looking to build off a successful 2013-14 campaign - and second-year coach Steve Clifford believes the organization has the pieces in place to do just that this season.

Clifford said with the additions of free agents Lance Stephenson and Marvin Williams the starting lineup is better than it was a year ago when Charlotte went 43-39 and made the playoffs before getting swept in the first round by the Miami Heat. He also believes the Hornets have more quality depth.

Were better. Were more talented, Clifford said. Now whether or not we play better or we get to the point to where we played as consistently as we did at the end of last year will have to play out. But the possibilities are exciting.

Much of that excitement surrounds the addition of Stephenson, who was Charlottes second choice after missing out on Utah Jazz restricted free agent Gordon Hayward. The Hornets signed Hayward to a four-year, $63 million offer sheet, but the Jazz didnt flinch and matched.

Stephenson does a little bit of everything - scoring, rebounding, passing and defense. He led the league in triple doubles last season. He also brings intensity and playoff experience to a team lacking in both areas.

With Stephenson, Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker, the Hornets believe they have their own, albeit lesser-known version of the big three.

LeBron (James) and them started that big three thing, Jefferson said. But (the Stephenson signing) was music to my ears. Lance has been to where were trying to go. Hes been deep into the playoffs the last two or three years.

Clifford sees plenty of untapped potential in Stephenson and views him as a potential NBA star.

Ive been around Kobe (Bryant), (Tracy) McGrady and (Latrell) Sprewell in their primes - and Lance isnt there yet, Clifford said. But hes talented and young. His efficiency has to get better in shooting the ball and he has to get his turnovers down. In order for us to talk about him as a legitimate All-Star player that you can play through, thats the jump he needs to make.

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Hornets, Stephenson look to take the next step