photo by steed media service

Chris Paul’s diminutive size and boyish looks can be misleading. Standing a modest 6-feet tall, Paul doesn’t fit the description of the prototypical NBA player. However, the fourth-year point guard for the New Orleans Hornets possesses a competitive nature that has driven him to become one of the top five players of the NBA. After leading the once lowly Hornets to their first playoff berth since 2003, Paul has his sights set on reaching the NBA Finals.

“I think we’re playing with a lot of confidence right now,” Paul says. “This year, our team came out and played with a chip on [its] shoulders and we have to do the same thing during the playoffs.”

Paul definitely approached the 2007–08 season like man on a mission. His average of 21 points per game and 11 assists places him in the upper echelon of NBA point guards. “You have to be hungry when playing point guard in the NBA,” he says. “I approach every game the same way. I hate to lose at anything. As the starting point guard on my team, I want to lead by example by going to practice early and playing hard defense. I think that our work ethic will allow us to do well in the playoffs.”

While many of the residents in New Orleans are still suffering the aftereffects of Hurricane Katrina, the Hornets have given the city something to be proud of on and off the court. “I think the NBA did a great job of giving back to the city during All-Star weekend,” Paul says. “The team is reaching out and showing people in New Orleans that we still care and that we’re thinking about them. We’re refurbishing courts, building resource centers and helping to rebuild the community. It’s still a work in progress, but we’re working to bring things back to normal.” –amir shaw

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