Jordan Courted Stephenson in Person to Join Team

Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan had no intention of being in Las Vegas in July for summer league.

Then he got a call from his front office that free-agent Lance Stephenson was serious about signing with the Hornets. So Jordan jumped on a plane from Utah to gauge Stephenson’s outlook and interest.

Jordan said he was candid with Stephenson about his strengths and weakness and pressed the point he wasn’t going to be manipulated. Stephenson had to decide that night whether he’d be a Hornet.

“I like his competitive drive and the way he challenged LeBron. Because if we’re ever going to get out of the East, you have to get past LeBron,” Jordan said. “(He’s) not afraid of anybody.”

The deal was done that night.

via Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer