The Charlotte Hornets are entering the 2014-15 season with lofty expectations. Coming off of a surprising playoff appearance and the marquee signing of Lance Stephenson, Hornets fans have every reason to expect the team to build off last season. National sports pundits agree that the Hornets will be improved, and the team is regularly finding itself in the top-15 of preseason power rankings. Charlotte landed 13th in ESPN’s inaugural rankings, and were slotted 12th by the basketball analytics website numberFire. Here is an excerpt from their article:

Projected Record: 43-39

Eastern/Western Conference Rank: 5th

NBA Rank: 12th

nERD: 53.8

Playoff Chances: 77.21%

Championship Chances: 3.20% The algorithms have the Hornets repeating last year’s 43-39 record, however in a weak Eastern Conference, the Hornets are projected to finish fifth in the East. There are a lot of ifs with this team, but they have the potential to surpass that projection by several wins. Clifford turned Charlotte into a tough defensive team and if some of the new additions can mesh with the current nucleus, the Hornets could have an extremely successful return season. View more analysis about the Hornets on numberFire here.

Seeing the Hornets land above the Washington Wizards (13th), Miami Heat (15th) and Atlanta Hawks (18th) is encouraging news. But seeing a projected record identical to last season’s finish is unsatisfying so far as projections go.

On paper, the Hornets appear to be a better team. Stephenson and rookie P.J. Hairston add much-needed depth on the wing, while Marvin Williams and Jason Maxiell both appear ready to fill their respective roles in the front court.

The starting lineup of Kemba Walker, Stephenson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Williams and Al Jefferson looks stronger (although this unit looked mighty rough during the preseason loss to the 76ers Wednesday). Coach Steve Clifford agreed during his media day press conference that this season’s starting lineup is better than last.

The Hornets need to do a lot more than look good on paper to duplicate or exceed expectations this year. Someone, be it Cody Zeller, Noah Vonleh or Bismack Biyombo, has to step-up and generate a post presence when Al is off the floor. Guys like Gary Neal, Hairston and Brian Roberts need to legitimize the Hornet’s three-point shooting. And the entire team has to commit to defense all game, every game.

More than anything, the Hornets need to keep the same edge that pushed them into the playoffs last season because they won’t be sneaking up on teams anymore.