Introduction
Chris Paul is a professional basketball player who has played for the Los Angeles Clippers since 2011 and the New Orleans Hornets from 2005 to 2011. He was born on May 6, 1985 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where he attended Wake Forest University before being drafted fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005.
Chris played high school basketball at West Forsyth High School before going to Wake Forest University where he helped lead his team to two NCAA Final Fours during his freshman year. In 2006 Chris won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the FIBA World Championship held in Japan; this was followed by another gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing China where he also became an All-American First Team Selection along with teammate Kevin Durant (who later became an NBA MVP).
Early Years
Chris Paul was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on May 6th 1985. His parents are Charles and Robin Paul and he has one older brother named Charles Jr., who played college basketball at Wake Forest University from 2004 to 2007.
Paul attended West Forsyth High School where he played basketball for the Warriors team that won three state championships during his time there (2000-2003). In 2003 he led his team to their third straight state title by scoring 25 points in their victory over Charlotte Latin School.[1]
After graduating high school he decided to attend Wake Forest University where he continued playing basketball for their Demon Deacons team until graduating in 2007 with a degree in communications studies.[2] The next year he was drafted fourth overall by New Orleans Hornets (now known as New Orleans Pelicans), becoming only the second player ever selected after LeBron James whose parents were both African American.[3]
Rookie Season
As a rookie, Chris Paul set the record for most assists by a rookie. He also won the Rookie of the Year award and was selected to the All-Rookie First Team.
In his second season with New Orleans, Paul averaged 18 points per game while leading his team in assists and steals. He also helped lead them to their first playoff appearance since 2004 when they lost in seven games against San Antonio Spurs in 2008 playoffs.
Breakout Years
- Leading the New Orleans Hornets to the 2008 Western Conference semifinals
- Becoming an All-Star for the first time
- Winning the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award
The Clippers Years
- Leading the Clippers to six consecutive playoff appearances
- Being named to the All-NBA First Team three times
- Breaking the franchise record for assists
Houston Rockets
In 2017, Paul joined the Houston Rockets. In his first season with the team, he set a franchise record for most assists in a season and helped them reach their first NBA Finals since 1995. The following year (2018), he led them to an appearance in the Western Conference Finals before falling short against his old team, who went on to win it all that year.
Oklahoma City Thunder
- In 2019, Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- He averaged a career-high 17.6 points per game with them, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double when he did so at age 34.
The Future
Chris Paul is one of the most talented players in the NBA today. He has been able to lead his team to many victories, and he continues to do so every year. It is clear that he will be around for a while longer, continuing his great career as an athlete.
Conclusion
- Paul has been a perennial All-Star and one of the best point guards in the league since he entered it. He’s won an NBA championship, been named NBA All-Star Game MVP twice and is a nine-time member of the All-NBA First Team (the most recent being this year).
- Paul’s impact on the game cannot be understated: He helped usher in a new era of point guard play when he arrived in New Orleans, leading to an influx of young players who have taken up his mantle as leaders at their respective positions. His legacy will live on through these players–and through those who emulate them–for years to come.
