Chris Paul
The engine behind New Orleans' resurgence during the defining CP3 era with the Hornets.
The Chris Paul era represents one of the most significant chapters in New Orleans basketball history, beginning when the franchise drafted him with their first-round pick in the subsequent draft after the 2004–05 season. Paul, a point guard out of Wake Forest University, immediately became the face of the rebuilding Hornets. His tenure defined the franchise's identity before the transition to the Pelicans brand in 2013, though Paul himself was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011 and never played for the Pelicans. While his time with the club ended before a championship was secured, Paul's impact on the team's offensive structure remains legendary among supporters who lived through that era of growth.
- Tenure
- 2005–2011
- Position
- Point Guard
- Team Names
- Hornets
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Chris Paul arrived in New Orleans when the franchise needed a heartbeat. Because of the catastrophic devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina upon the communities of southeastern Louisiana, the Hornets franchise temporarily relocated its base of operations to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 2005–06 and 2006–07, posting records of 38–44 and 39–43 respectively. During this time, the franchise was known as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. In these two seasons, most home games were played at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, while a few remained at New Orleans Arena. One year after the Hornets moved back to New Orleans permanently, the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Hornets franchise returned to New Orleans full-time for the 2007–08 season, with all 41 home games in the New Orleans Arena. The 2008 NBA All-Star Game and its accompanying festivities were awarded to New Orleans and a serious marketing campaign was commenced in February 2007. Healthier than previous seasons, the Hornets opened the season with a 29–12 record at the halfway mark, completing the regular season with a record of 56–26, making the season their most successful ever. The Hornets also won their first division title, winning the Southwest Division. Having clinched the second overall seed for the Western Conference in the 2008 playoffs, the Hornets beat the Dallas Mavericks in the first round, but then lost to the defending-champion San Antonio Spurs in seven games in the conference semifinals.
In Their Own Story
The roar inside the New Orleans Arena was deafening as the clock ticked under ten seconds. Paul dribbled near half-court, eyes locked on the rim, feeling the weight of the city on his shoulders. He drove left, drew two defenders, and kicked it out to the corner. The shot rose through the net just as the buzzer sounded, sealing a victory that kept playoff hopes alive for another night.
Reader's Guide
The Chris Paul era began when the Hornets used their first-round pick to select point guard Chris Paul out of Wake Forest University in the subsequent draft after the 2004–05 season. Because of the catastrophic devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina upon the communities of southeastern Louisiana, the Hornets franchise temporarily relocated its base of operations to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 2005–06 and 2006–07, posting records of 38–44 and 39–43 respectively. During this time, the franchise was known as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. In these two seasons, most home games were played at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, while a few remained at New Orleans Arena. The Hornets franchise returned to New Orleans full-time for the 2007–08 season, with all 41 home games in the New Orleans Arena. The 2008 NBA All-Star Game and its accompanying festivities were awarded to New Orleans and a serious marketing campaign was commenced in February 2007. Healthier than previous seasons, the Hornets opened the season with a 29–12 record at the halfway mark, completing the regular season with a record of 56–26, making the season their most successful ever. The Hornets also won their first division title, winning the Southwest Division. Having clinched the second overall seed for the Western Conference in the 2008 playoffs, the Hornets beat the Dallas Mavericks in the first round, but then lost to the defending-champion San Antonio Spurs in seven games in the conference semifinals.
Did You Know?
- Chris Paul was selected by the Hornets with their first-round pick in the draft after the 2004–05 season, a season marred by injuries to the team's three all-stars that finished with a franchise-worst record of 18–64.
- During Paul's first two seasons (2005–06 and 2006–07), the franchise was temporarily relocated to Oklahoma City due to Hurricane Katrina and was known as the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets.
- In the 2007–08 season, Paul led the Hornets to a 56–26 record, their most successful ever, and the team's first division title, winning the Southwest Division.
- In the 2008 playoffs, Paul and the Hornets beat the Dallas Mavericks in the first round before losing to the defending-champion San Antonio Spurs in seven games in the conference semifinals.
- Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011, before the drafting of Anthony Davis in 2012, so the two never played together in New Orleans.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Chris Paul play for New Orleans?
He arrived via trade in late 2011 and remained with the franchise until 2017. This period covered his time as a Hornet before the team officially became the Pelicans.
What was Chris Paul's primary role on the roster?
Wearing jersey number 3, he acted as the point guard and immediate face of the rebuilding organization. His elite playmaking defined the offensive structure for several seasons.
How did the team identity change during his tenure?
Chris Paul's time bridged the gap between the Hornets era and the new Pelicans brand established in 2013. He provided stability while the franchise underwent this significant rebranding process.
Why is the Chris Paul era considered legendary locally?
His leadership drove a major resurgence in fan engagement and on-court performance for New Orleans basketball. Although he did not win a championship there, his impact remains highly revered by supporters.
How did his time with the franchise conclude?
His tenure ended before a title was secured, marking the close of one of the most significant chapters in club history. He left behind a legacy as the engine behind the team's rise to contention.
More in Club History & Eras
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