Chris Paul: CPV-ictory

Chris Paul truly erupted on to the NBA scene during his rookie season in 2005. Selected fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets, this highly touted prospect came into camp three weeks after the draft with the entire Hornet’s playbook memorized. It was at this time coach Byron Scott said of Paul, “We got something special here.”

            Since that draft day Paul has used the critics expectations as a launching point into stardom. During his rookie season Paul averaged 16.1 PTS, 7.8 AST, 2.2 STL, and shot a very credible 43% from the field, securing the Rookie of the Year award. With each passing season Paul seems to elevate his game and improve on his weaknesses.

            Since his rookie season Paul has averaged 48% from the field with a game- changing 50% this past season. While in his first year, Chris shot a poor 28% from 3 point. The past three seasons: 35%! Paul’s assists, a somewhat overlooked stat in a world that is constantly looking for scoring point guards, have increased from 7.8 his first season to 12 per game this past year.

            Paul provided a very formidable case for MVP last season averaging 21.7 PPG and carrying the Hornets to a seventh game against the defending champions San Antonio Spurs in the semi-finals. Finishing in the top 3 for the prestigious award, Paul possesses MVP heart and determination as he makes every player on his team better. Paul’s ankle-breaking speed and fierce drives to the basket is the perfect compliment to the New Orleans’s hard nosed playing power forward David West.

            Chris has started off the season in perfect form, picking up exactly where he left off during his impressive campaign in Beijing. Maintaining his freakishly productive pace from last season, Paul is again shooting 50%, averaging just above 21 points, and shooting an impressive 87% from the foul line so far this season. If possible, Paul seems to be even faster than last year especially on the defensive side of the ball. Chris seems to be swarming ball handlers and constantly staying in front of his man like an immovable force.

            NBA fans regularly expect excellence from the leagues best.  The ones who watch the game are always on the search for the player that will shock them time and time again, the player that will continually leave the audience in awe, and the player that will steadily show the fans things never before seen in the sport. NBA fans should now expect Chris Paul.

            As the leagues best point guard, Paul will always be associated with this category of player and the upper echelon of athlete. Picking up James Posey will only help this young and passionate New Orleans team. Don’t be surprised to see Chris Paul lead the Hornets to a deep play off run this season. Paul will continue to cement himself as an elite player of the NBA.