Michael Jordan and his Charlotte Hornets are hoping to take the next step in the NBA pecking order, hoping to add yet another top-tier free agent to still emerging star big man Al Jefferson.

Jordan has long seen Charlotte as a viable landing place for free agent stars looking for greener pastures and CharlotteObserver.com now reports his message might finally be taking hold across the league.

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"I always thought it was a great destination," said Jordan, whose Hornets, powered by Jefferson's third-team All-NBA selection, finished the year at 43-39 and as the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. "I think Big Al proved you can come here and make a big difference. Hopefully we can look at that and attract some other superstar.

"We've got to make sure we find people who want to come here," added Jordan. "We have a bunch of young talent we're still trying to nurture into better players. The summer is when we need to make our big leap. We'll know at the beginning of the season if Jeff Taylor's gotten better, if Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has gotten better, if Cody Zeller has gotten better. Kemba Walker has shown that he can get better."

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Jefferson averaged 22 points and 11 rebounds in his first season in Charlotte and Jordan is convinced he too is capable of more. "I hope he's an All-Star," said Jordan. "I thought he deserved it last season. Being all pro this year hopefully gets him into that discussion) that makes you an All-Star."