DOES MIKE LIKE HORNETS? JORDAN, SHINN MOVE CLOSER TO DEAL

          Michael Jordan and Hornets Owner George Shinn are
     "moving closer to a partnership" that would give Jordan 50%
     of the franchise, according to Mike Wise of the N.Y. TIMES.
     Jordan and Shinn have "tentatively" worked out an
     arrangement where both parties would have "veto power" over
     major decisions.  An NBA Eastern Conference official said
     Jordan and Shinn would be "consulted on every matter
     pertaining to the team" (N.Y. TIMES, 4/18).  Jordan attended
     the Blackhawks season-finale Saturday at the United Center,
     his first visit there since his retirement press conference
     on January 12.  Jordan, on his interest in the Hornets: "I'm
     still in conversation and still evaluating the opportunity.
     There is some interest. From an economical standpoint, I
     will evaluate it until I feel it's appropriate for me to
     make an announcement" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/18).  Three NBA
     sources confirmed that Jordan and Shinn have "tentatively
     agreed" to retain Hornets interim coach Paul Silas beyond
     this season (Leonard Laye, CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 4/19).