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Who Is Chris Paul?
Chris Paul, a prominent basketball figure, began his ascent to stardom as a standout player at Wake Forest University. He entered the NBA in 2005 when he was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets, where he quickly distinguished himself as one of the league’s top point guards, consistently ranking among the leaders in assists and steals. His remarkable career continued through trades to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011 and the Houston Rockets in 2017. Despite his numerous accolades and impressive statistics, Paul has faced challenges in securing an NBA championship.
Early Life
Christopher Emmanuel Paul was born on May 6, 1985, in Lewisville, North Carolina, as the second son of Charles and Robin Paul. His father, a former athlete, instilled a love for sports in both Chris and his older brother, C.J., emphasizing the importance of teamwork and physical activity. Outside of sports, Paul spent time working at a service station owned by his grandfather, Nathaniel Jones, affectionately known as “Papa Chilly,” with whom he shared a close bond.
Although initially undersized for his age, Paul excelled as a junior varsity and varsity basketball player, recognized for his agility and basketball IQ. As he matured and grew taller throughout high school, he caught the attention of several colleges eager to recruit him. Ultimately, Paul chose Wake Forest University, attracted by its proximity to home and its storied basketball program.
Tragedy struck shortly after he made his college decision when his grandfather was murdered during a robbery at home. This devastating loss deeply affected Paul, and in a poignant tribute, he scored 61 points in a high school game shortly thereafter, honoring his grandfather’s memory.
College Star at Wake Forest
Paul joined the Wake Forest Demon Deacons under the guidance of esteemed head coach Skip Prosser and quickly emerged as a team leader. His exceptional performance earned him the title of Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Rookie of the Year in 2004, during which he shattered the school’s freshman records for assists, steals, and free throw and three-point percentages. He was recognized by College Insider, The Sporting News, and Basketball Times as the nation’s best freshman player, a sentiment echoed by notable broadcaster Dick Vitale.
NBA Career Overview
New Orleans Hornets
Chris Paul announced his intention to turn professional basketball in 2005, entering the NBA Draft where he was selected fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets. This followed the selections of Andrew Bogut, Marvin Williams, and Deron Williams. Shortly after his arrival, Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans Gulf Coast, prompting the team to relocate its operations to Oklahoma City for practice and games.
In his rookie season, Paul made an immediate impact, leading the Hornets to a commendable 38 wins while being recognized as the top rookie in the Western Conference for every month of the season. His outstanding performance earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
The 2007-08 season marked a pivotal moment for both Paul and the Hornets as the team returned to New Orleans full-time. Paul’s leadership and on-court abilities blossomed, culminating in his selection to the NBA All-Star Game. His synergy with teammates propelled the Hornets to their first playoff appearance since the 2003-04 season, although they were eliminated by the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs.
Los Angeles Clippers
Prior to the 2011-12 season, a proposed three-team trade intended to send Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers was ultimately nullified by NBA Commissioner David Stern, who oversaw the Hornets franchise at the time. Shortly thereafter, a revised trade successfully sent Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers.
His arrival transformed the Clippers’ prospects, positioning them as a formidable force in the Western Conference alongside the high-flying Blake Griffin. The duo led the team to an impressive fifth-best record in the conference, although they faced a postseason sweep by the San Antonio Spurs.
Over the next three seasons, the Clippers consistently won at least 56 games, with Paul leading the league in assists for two consecutive years. Despite his exceptional play, the team struggled to progress past the conference semifinals.
As Paul entered his 30s, signs of wear began to appear, resulting in him missing a combined 29 games from 2015 to 2017.
Houston Rockets
In June 2017, Paul experienced the second major trade of his career when he was dealt to the Houston Rockets. The trade once again heightened expectations, as he teamed up with scoring sensation James Harden. Under Paul’s leadership, the Rockets achieved a franchise-record 65 wins during the 2017-18 season and reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in his career. However, they fell short against the Golden State Warriors in a hard-fought seven-game series. The following season, a hamstring injury hindered Paul, contributing to early-season struggles for the Rockets, who were eliminated by the Warriors once again in the playoffs.
Oklahoma City Thunder
In July 2019, Paul was traded once more, this time to the Oklahoma City Thunder, as part of a deal that sent Russell Westbrook to the Rockets.
Personal Life
Off the court, Chris Paul is married to Jada, whom he met during his time at Wake Forest University. The couple has two children: a daughter, Cameron Alexis, and a son, Christopher Emmanuel II. Their family affectionately nicknamed him “CP3,” reflecting the shared initials he has with his father and brother.
In addition to his basketball career, Paul is a passionate bowler and owns a franchise in the Professional Bowlers Association league.