NBA Free Agency 2011: Is Chris Paul Worth All the Hype?

Chris Paul has dominated sports headlines this week. The New Orleans Hornets point guard is making the news for being the main piece in a three-team trade involving the Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets.

The NBA, which owns the Hornets, vetoed the trade and left Paul in New Orleans for the time being. The veto from David Stern sent shock waves and mayhem through the NBA world and triggered many different emotions, but mostly indignation.

The circus surrounding Paul is understandable in some aspect. He has been a standout player since coming into the NBA in 2006. Paul has lead the league in assists per game twice and steals per game three times. He is a great all around player.

But that is just it. Paul doesn't have the one dominant area like the other great point guards in the NBA. He lacks Rajon Rondo's 1-on-1 lockdown defense. Paul doesn't have the bulk of Deron Williams or the penetration ability of Russell Westbrook. There are no streaky three-pointers a la Steve Nash coming from Paul, either.

This is not to say Paul isn't great, because I understand he is. He is just a piece, however. No team can build around him and win. He would be a great addition for the likes of the Lakers and New York Knicks, but would not get those teams over the hump.

Let's keep Paul in the proper perspective and add no undue pressure.