State of the Hornets: Chris Paul

June 19, 2007

Chris Paul
NBA experience: Two seasons (two with Hornets).
Age: 22.
Games played (starts): 64 (64).
Key statistical averages: 17.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 1.84 steals.
What we expected: The 6-foot Wake Forest product turned heads around the NBA in 2005-06, demonstrating rare all-around skills for a point guard, en route to winning the Rookie of the Year trophy in a landslide vote. As a second-year pro, most observers projected continued improvement across the board for Paul, who only figures to get better with more experience in the league. In the leadership department, CP3 deferred at times as a rookie to veterans such as P.J. Brown, but in 2006-07 was expected to assume a larger presence in the locker room on a team that made widespread roster changes during the 2006 offseason. David West is the only current Hornet who has been on the squad for more than two seasons.

What went right: Paul quickly made sure the phrase “sophomore slump” would never be uttered during his second pro season. The Winston-Salem (N.C.) native followed up his banner rookie year by increasing his production in scoring and assists. He also upped his field-goal percentage and showed an improved knack for taking over games offensively, registering four 30-point games by Dec. 16, a feat he did not accomplish once as a rookie. In addition, his three-point accuracy went from a below-average 28.2 percent to a decent 35.0 clip. Nationally, Paul seemed to receive less acclaim this season in comparison to 2005-06, which could partly be attributed to the fact that he was not a rookie anymore. He actually had a better year statistically than a year ago and was one of the key reasons behind the Hornets finishing with one more victory than the previous season, despite an avalanche of injuries.

What went wrong: Paul couldn’t avoid the injury bug that affected nearly every member of the lineup. After stepping on SuperSonics center Johan Petro’s foot Dec. 26 in Seattle, a severely sprained ankle caused the 175-pounder to miss the next 17 games (the Hornets went an admirable 8-9 without their star point guard). Paul later sustained a painful stress fracture in his left foot that forced him to sit out the April 6 contest vs. Phoenix. To his credit, he continued to play through the injury – which required offseason surgery – even after the Hornets fell out of mathematical playoff contention. From a statistical standpoint, the only noteworthy areas in which Paul declined from his rookie season were rebounding (5.1 per-game average to 4.4) and foul shooting (a dip from 84.7 percent to 81.8).

Chris Paul celebrates the Hornets’ 99-96 victory at Minnesota on Nov. 18. Paul racked up a career-best 35 points in the win.

The future: CP3 is already considered to be a member of the league’s elite group of point guards by most observers. If he makes zero improvements to his game over the rest of his career, he’ll still be one of the premier floor generals in the NBA. It appears as though his shooting accuracy is one area where he can make the most strides. His 43.7 overall field-goal percentage in 2006-07 is a bit below average for a guard who does not attempt a significant number of three-pointers (by comparison, Steve Nash shot an amazing 53.2 percent. A few other lead guards: Tony Parker 52.0, Andre Miller 46.6, Deron Williams 45.6, Chauncey Billups 42.7, Jason Kidd 40.6.). Paul is under contract for two more seasons and would become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2009 if the Hornets do not sign him to a long-term contract extension prior to then. Paul is the most critical component of the Hornets’ future due to his individual ability, as well as his knack for making his teammates better – the hallmark of a great point guard.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Here’s what Hornets.com heard about Paul in 2006-07:
ESPN analyst Greg Anthony:
“What’s eerie about him is that he makes the game look easy out there. That’s probably the greatest compliment you can give someone, because having played in the league, nothing could be further from the truth. It’s not easy. He has tremendous instincts and he’s also a phenomenal leader. He’s not one of those guys who forces his will on (teammates); he does it naturally. People talk about great leadership, but guys have to be willing to follow. Everybody knows that he is out there to win. The way he plays the game at that position, he makes it that much easier on everyone else to play.
“I think he just needs time. I felt that if he hadn’t gotten hurt this season – if you look at the way the Hornets started the season and how well they were playing – I thought Chris would have been in the All-Star Game this year. You look at him and Deron Williams, both of those guys are All-Star-caliber players from a talent standpoint, but realistically, you’re not going to just usurp Steve Nash and some other (point guards) who still have some good years left in their careers. But I would be somewhat surprised if (Paul) isn’t in the All-Star Game next year and beyond.”

Cleveland forward LeBron James:
“He is going to be one of the best point guards in our league very soon. I love his intensity, I love his playmaking ability and if we don’t slow him down it will be a slow night for us and a fast night for him.”

San Antonio guard Tony Parker:
“He is a great young point guard, one of the best in the league. He is a great guard and he has many good years ahead of him.”

Utah guard Deron Williams:
“He’s one of the great young point guards in the league and will be for a long time. He’s a good friend of mine; I definitely love playing against him, as it’s always a challenge. I enjoy watching him play. I’m a fan of his game.”

L.A. Clippers forward Elton Brand:
“He’s an amazing player. He gets to the basket and creates. He loves to pass. He loves it. I’ve never gotten so many easy baskets as I did playing with that guy (with USA Basketball)… Plus, you’ve got to respect Chris’ shot, and he’s cat-quick.”

Atlanta guard Speedy Claxton:
“He has a great future ahead of him. He’s battled through some injuries this season... He’s a great leader, knows the game, gets everyone involved and plays hard whenever he’s on the court – at practice or in an actual game.”

Seattle guard Earl Watson:
“He’s on his way to being one of the premier point guards in this league. He is truly a special talent, plays with a lot of heart and leaves it all on the court. He’s a star in the making; it’ll be interesting how he continues to develop his game. He already does so much on the court for his team. The sky is the limit for him in my opinion.”

NBA legend Rick Barry:
“I always liked to play with a point guard who is quick and can get you the basketball. Obviously, he’s an outstanding player who can score points and also deliver you the ball. I love point guards, especially ones who are willing to pass. He’s one of the real up-and-coming stars in the league.”

ESPN writer Ric Bucher:
“For some guys, playing with Team USA was a grind – and I’m sure it was for him – but there were some players, like Joe Johnson, Dwight Howard and Chris, who just by playing with other great players, made them realize, ‘You know what? I can play with these guys. I’m on the same level as them.’
“Just getting to practice with Dwyane Wade and LeBron James was great for them. That gives you a whole different confidence coming into the next season. And every player will tell you, confidence is such a huge part of your game. If you get a boost there, it’s going to really help you.”

TNT studio analyst Kenny Smith, on which NBA point guards he’d take over Paul:
“Steve Nash, for sure. Maybe Jason Kidd. (Fellow North Carolina alum) Raymond Felton… nah, I’m just kidding with you with that one. Put it this way: Not many.”

Toronto broadcaster Chuck Swirsky: