New Orleans Pelicans: 5 best NBA Draft picks in team history

New Orleans Pelicans’ best picks of the NBA Draft: No. 3- Chris Paul

In the 2005 NBA Draft, the Hornets selected Chris Paul 4th overall. He was destined to be one of the greatest point guards of all time. Playing 425 games in New Orleans, Paul was a true leader. Looking at the 2021 Pelicans team, having a veteran leader like CP3 would help the Pelicans reach the next level as a team.

Chris Paul appeared in 4 All-Star games in his 6 years with the Hornets. In 2007, 2008, and 2009, Paul led the NBA in Assists and Steals. He is also first in team history in APG (9) and SPG (2). One of the best players in team history.

Paul also led the Pelicans to their first playoff series victory as they beat the Mavericks 4-1 in the first round, but then lost to the Spurs in 7 games.

In the end, things didn’t work out with Chris Paul in New Orleans, largely because the team was going through a change in ownership and had an uncertain future. He is one of the great “what-ifs” in team history.