New Additions Could Help CP3's New Orleans Hornets Get Stingers Back

Chris Paul gripped his groin area, wincing in pain as an assistant coach helped him to the bench.

With a 17-point third quarter lead against the wannabe-.500 Chicago Bulls and David West still on the floor as an interior terror, the New Orleans Hornets appeared ready to survive the temporary loss of their star point guard.

Then, history reared its ugly head, and the offense—sans Paul—imploded like the Stardust in Vegas.

From a 17-point lead at home to a 14-point loss, the collapse was as spectacular as it was telling.

This is what the Hornets usually do when Paul cannot play or when he rests. When the team wins with him in street clothes, it feels more like luck than something on which to bet the house.

No playoff team relies on one player to do so much like the the Hornets do Paul.

No discussion necessary or allowed.

The Cleveland Cavaliers stayed close with opponents throughout a 66-win campaign when LeBron James sat for his customary moments of rest.

The Utah Jazz can still pile up points against many foes when Deron Williams sits.

The Los Angeles Lakers have enough depth to erase deficits against playoff-caliber squads with Kobe Bryant in his warm-ups.

Remember that Sunday afternoon in Cleveland when Bryant spent halftime vomiting like a mental patient with swine flu?

Lamar Odom corralled 20 rebounds and Pau Gasol ate space in the middle like it was seasoned chorizo to help the Lakers claim the only legitimate victory at Quicken Loans Arena in the 2008-09 season.

The expectations—at an all-time high after a breezy first-round win and a seven-game set with the champion Spurs—sunk the Hornets’ chances as much as the injury bug.

The group many predicted would seize the West crown became the conference’s biggest disappointment.

Just don’t blame the team’s step back on Paul. Charley Rosen chided the Wake Forest product for his inconsistent jumper and his gambling tendencies on defense. The Fox Sports columnist included Paul in a column about overrated players who should not be considered superstars.

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