Paul was one of the best high school players in the country when he graduated. His senior year he averaged 31 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds and 6 steals a game earning him all-American honors. Paul decided to attend nearby Wake Forest University where he would play two years. While at Wake he averaged 15 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. He was selected as the 4th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft right behind rival and good friend Deron Williams. Paul went to a Hornets team which was looking to rebuild after an abysmal year which seen former star Baron Davis traded a way. But the fans of New Orleans would not get to see their new rookie, on August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit the city of New Orleans and left the 400 year old city in practical ruins. The Hornets were forced to relocated temporarily to Oklahoma City.

Paul had a fantastic rookie year as he helped slowly turn the Hornets around. The team failed to make the playoffs but Paul won rookie-of-the-year honors and established himself as a future superstar. He also recorded his first triple-double becoming one of only a handful of rookies to ever do so.

In 2007 the Hornets finally moved back to New Orleans amid much fan fare. The team also finally became a real threat in the western conference. Paul was named to his first all-star team, as the Hornets had the best record in the west at the all-star break. The Hornets would finish with the second best record in the west behind the LA Lakers. The Hornets would defeat the Dallas Mavericks in the first round than lose in 7 games to the San Antonio Spurs.

The season had made Paul a superstar and he was added to the 2008 Olympic Men’s basketball team which took gold in Beijing, China. Paul followed the 07-08 season up with another fantastic season but the Hornets dipped in the standings to sixth and lost in the first round to the Denver Nuggets.

The 09-10 season was a disastrous one of Paul and the Hornets. The team started off poorly leading to coach Byron Scott being fired. Than Chris Paul suffered the first of many injuries which would plague his season. Paul played only 45 games as the Hornets failed to make the playoffs.

Despite not being a free agent Paul’s name has been mentioned a lot this summer as many feel he may be frustrated with the way the Hornets are going, and that the notoriously cheap Hornets may want to go with rookie Darren Collison, who played well in Paul’s absence, over Paul. Only time will tell.

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