All-Time New Orleans Pelicans Starting-Five

Chris Paul, PG, 2005-2011

Hornets Statistics: 18.7 PPG, 9.9 APG, 4.6 RPG, 2.4 SPG

The Point God himself! Could there really have been an “All-Time Starting-Five” list for the organization without Chris Paul? Absolutely not!

A reoccurring theme with many of the teams all-time players is a short amount of time spent with the franchise. Like many that came before him, Chris Paul’s time with the organization was relatively short lived, six years to be exact. However, in those six years, Paul made it known that a first-ballot Hall of Fame entry was not out of the question. From the moment he was drafted, New Orleans realized they had acquired something special.

In his first year with the team Paul averaged 16.1 PPG, 7.8 APG, 5.1 RPG and 2.2 SPG. With this, the rookie found himself adding 20 wins to their previous seasons record (18-64 in 2004-05, 38-44 in 2005-06) as well as being named All-Rookie First Team and bringing home Rookie of the Year honors.

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Two seasons later, Paul earned his first spot on the Western Conferences All-Star team. This season, the point guard averaged 21.1 PPG, 11.6 APG (league leader), 4.0 RPG and 2.7 SPG (league leader). Through his incredible play, CP3 guided New Orleans to a 56 and 26 record which lead the franchise to their first playoff appearance in three seasons. He finished the season second in MVP voting behind Kobe Bryant. From here on out, New Orleans was a force to be reckoned with. And the reason for this? Chris Paul.

Unfortunately, in the ensuing years, trouble began to arise. Paul grew tired of the lack of help the organization brought in. Outside of David West, the roster seemed ultimately void of talent. Eventually, this lead to Paul’s departure from the team on December 8th, 2011 when the Hornets accommodated his trade request and sent him to the Los Angeles Clippers.

In just six season, Chris Paul cemented his name in the organizations record books, for he currently is the holder of numerous franchise records; steals, assists, offensive rating and win shares. And, if he is not the leader, he is at worst in the top five; third in points and field goals made, second in games, minutes, free-throws, etc.

While there was no story-book ending that came about for Chris Paul and the New Orleans franchise, fans will never forget the times had with the, at least then, best point guard in the entire league. As the saying goes, no one ever forgets their first love!