by Bob Swanson

Created on: July 21, 2008

With the 4th pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Hornets select Chris Paul, from Wake Forest University. David Stern may not have been on his game with misidentifying the correct year but Mr. Paul will be for a long time. This could be the best decision the New Orleans Hornets ever make. A sophomore from Wake Forest will quickly become the best point guard in the NBA.

Chris emerged as a star at Wake Forest leading them with his sharp shooting and leadership. Paul would end his career with the 2nd highest three-point shooting percentage and 5th highest free throw percentage in school history. He is also 7th in school history in assists, which is what really counts for a young point guard. Chris easily left his mark on college basketball and would look to do the same in his NBA career, which was soon to come.

In 2005 he was drafted 4th overall by the New Orleans Hornets. He quickly made an impact on the team averaging over 16 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists in 78 games. This earned him the Rookie of the Year Award. Chris also participated in the Skills Challenge during the All-Star weekend. Chris showed he could score in the paint and from deep against NBA defenders.

In his second season he improved even further as he averaged 17.3 points and 8.9 assists per game. He was named to the Skills Challenge for the second straight year and played in the Rookie-Sophomore game. He would end the season ranked 4th in assists once again showing he can dish the ball when he isn't scoring it. He was again the heart and soul of the team as he would lead the team in assists, steals and total points.

In his latest and third NBA season, Paul upped his game even further to join the truly elite players in the game today. Chris would once again lead the Hornets into battle while averaging 21.1 points per game and 11.6 assists. Paul also improved his shooting percentage up to 48% from the field, 37% from 3 points range and 85% from the free throw line. He did all this while only allowing 2.5 turnovers. Protecting the ball is an extremely important skill for a point guard. He would lead the NBA in assists showing he is the best point guard in the game. Chris was named to the 2007 All-Star game by the coaches and came close to the winning the NBA MVP.

Where Chris really chose to shine in his 3rd season was the playoffs. He averaged 24.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 11.3 assists per game during the playoffs. Most players don't play as well under pressure; Paul blossomed in the moment and led his team to victory. In his first career playoff game Paul scored 35 points and added 10 assists. In his second game Chris scored 32 points and put in 17 assists. He led the Hornets to victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the first round but would lose to the San Antonio Spurs in the second round.

Not only is Chris the best point guard in the league, he is a wonderful person off the court. During the 2006 holiday season Chris along with Bobby Jackson gave away 100 bikes to kids in need in Oklahoma City and New Orleans. He also initiated a philanthropic campaign in 2005 to give back to the community he was born in. His efforts helped refurbish basketball courts and start a basketball program in his hometown. Paul also has an annual Chris Paul's Winston-Salem Weekend, which raises money for charities. He is an amazing basketball player but more importantly an amazing person.

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