Plauderecke » Monday with three draft picks and more than

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Michael Jordan anticipates the Charlotte Hornets will make another big splash this off-season. Jordan said Monday with three draft picks and more than $13 million to spend in free agency the Hornets are in position to make a "big difference" in upgrading their roster. "I think we made a difference last year with Big Al (Jefferson) and some of the acquisitions -- and I dont anticipate this year being any different," Jordan said. Behind Jefferson, who was recently named third-team All-NBA, Charlotte made the playoffs for the first time since 2010 -- the year Jordan took over as majority owner. Jordan is hoping Jeffersons success will convince other big-name free agents to come to Charlotte. "I always thought Charlotte was a great destination," Jordan said. "Big Al has proven that you can come here and make a big difference. Hopefully we can look at that and attract some other superstars." Jordan spoke Monday following a presentation at Hornets Nest Elementary school in which he, along with Lowes and Fox SportsSouth, donated $250,000 to Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. The event marked the organizations first community service initiative since the changing its name from Bobcats to Hornets last month. The Hornets have the ninth, 24th and 45h picks in this months draft. If forward Josh McRoberts decides not to opt out of contract the Hornets will have all five starters from last season under contract -- and still have at least $13 million to spend under the NBA salary cap. If McRoberts opts out the team could have closer to $17 million free under the cap. "This year we have a lot of flexibility and Ive been speaking to that over the last three or four years -- flexibility is very important and we are going to use every resource to try to better the team," Jordan said. Charlotte finished last season 43-39 and earned the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. However, Jefferson injured his foot in the first game of the NBA playoffs and Charlotte was swept by the Miami Heat. Still, it was a big step in the right direction for a franchise that went 28-120 over the two previous seasons, by far the worst record in the NBA during that span. Jordan said he was "very proud" of what his team accomplished under first-year coach Steve Clifford. "The guys came out and took the initiative from coach and he was able to bond (them) and put together a good effort from the team," Jordan said. Jordan said Jefferson, who signed a three-year, $41 million contract last July 4 -- the largest ever given out by the franchise -- was better than advertised. But he said what was even more surprising is how quickly his new teammates adjusted to playing with a dominant low post presence. "Everybody surrounded him and we got better," Jordan said. "McRoberts was a huge part of that. So I think we got better as the year went along." Jordan said Jefferson, who was the only player in the Eastern Conference to average 20 points and 10 rebounds per game last season, deserved to be an All-Star. Jordan wouldnt say specifically what position the team might look to upgrade this off-season, instead saying he wants to find players who truly want to play in Charlotte. Another key, he said, is developing a core of young players including Kemba Walker, Jeffery Taylor, Michael-Kidd-Gilchrist and Cody Zeller. "We have a bunch of young talent that we still are trying to nourish into some better basketball players," Jordan said. "So summer is when we have to make our big leap." Wilson Chandler Jersey . The Indians scored twice in the top of the ninth, getting the go-ahead run on a wild pitch by closer Matt Lindstrom. Axford (0-1) came in seeking his fifth save in as many chances. Philadelphia 76ers Jerseys . But luckily for the Canadian squad, one goal was all it needed. Winnipegs Sophie Schmidt scored the winner off a Diana Matheson corner kick to seal Canadas third-place spot in the Torneio Internacional de Futebol Feminino in Brazil on Sunday. http://www.76ersstore.com/customized/ . The 10-year deal the league and players agreed to that ended the 2011 lockout gave either side the right to opt out after six years. With the league projecting financial growth, there has been speculation that players will take that option in three years, especially since a new national TV contract will be in place by then. Allen Iverson Jersey . -- The Florida Gators are first yet again this season. Justin Patton Jersey .C. Lions 35-14, was named the CFLs offensive player of the week Tuesday. Sheets recorded his ninth 100-yard rushing performance of the season to tie the Riders club record.WASHINGTON -- Stephen Strasburg struck out 10 while pitching three-hit ball for seven innings, earning his first win in a month as the Washington Nationals beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-0 Sunday. Strasburg (8-9) had been 0-3 in his previous five starts, losing his last three outings. He walked one and didnt permit a runner past second base. The NL East-leading Nationals split the four-game series after dropping the first two to the last-place Phillies. Denard Span had two hits, two steals, an RBI and scored a run for Washington. Cole Hamels (6-6) allowed an unearned run over seven innings. The left-hander gave up four hits and struck out six in his second consecutive start without an earned run. He has given up one earned run or fewer in nine of his last 13 starts. The Phillies were shut out for the second straight day and havent scored in 21 innings. Cody Asche got two hits for the Phillies, but also committed an error at third base on Jose Lobatons chopper that led to Washington scoring in the third inning. After dropping the ball, Asche grabbed it and his wide throw pulled first baseman Ryan Hooward off the bag.dddddddddddd Strasburg sacrificed and Span hit a looping single into right-centre. After Asches two-out double in the fifth, he appeared to be picked off on Lobatons throw from behind the plate to shortstop Ian Desmond. Second base umpire Tripp Gibsons safe call stood after a review of more than three minutes, prompting a chorus of boos from the home crowd. TRAINERS ROOM Phillies: Left fielder Domonic Brown has an infection in his tonsils and will see a doctor in Philadelphia on Monday. He was out of the lineup for a third straight game. ... Right fielder Marlon Byrd batted fifth despite continuing to battle a bruised right foot. Byrds last off day came Tuesday at the Mets. ON DECK Phillies: After an off day Monday, Kyle Kendrick (5-11, 4.92) makes his seventh career appearance (five starts) against Houston on Tuesday. It will be Kendricks first start against the Astros since they joined the American League. Nationals: Washington welcomes Baltimore on Monday in a makeup of their July 8 rainout. Tanner Roark (11-6, 2.74) will make his first career start against the Orioles. 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