Chris Paul Arrival
The Point God who held down the franchise through its rebuild and rebrand.
DP3 arrived in New Orleans as the fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft, stepping up right after Hurricane Katrina. His time with the team covered two distinct phases: the rebuilding Hornets and the rebranded Pelicans. CP3 built the city's first steady culture of winners before eventually moving on.
- Draft Year
- 2005
- Draft Pick
- 4th Overall
- Jersey Number
- 3
- Tenure Span
- 2005–2017
- Franchise Status
- Hornets/Pelicans Legend
- All-Star Selections
- Multiple with NO
- Number Retired
- Yes
Lore & Background
His leadership style was defined by intensity and precision, setting a standard that elevated teammates like David West and Tyreke Evans. Even after the team changed its name to the Pelicans in 2013, Paul remained the constant leader on the floor. His eventual trade in 2017 sent shockwaves through the fanbase, marking the end of an era where New Orleans was genuinely viewed as a contender for the championship.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights hummed against the quiet tension of the fourth quarter. Chris Paul stood at the line, jersey number three soaked with sweat, the crowd holding its breath in unison. He bounced the ball twice, wiped his hands on his shorts, and shot. The swish echoed louder than any cheer, a moment frozen in time that defined why New Orleans loved him.
Reader's Guide
The era began in June 2005 when New Orleans selected Chris Paul fourth overall in the NBA Draft. Arriving just months after Hurricane Katrina devastated the region, Paul became a symbol of resilience for the city and the franchise. During his initial tenure with the Hornets, he transformed them into perennial playoff contenders, earning multiple All-Star selections while leading the league in assists.
In 2013, the organization rebranded as the Pelicans to distinguish itself from Charlotte, but Paul remained the undisputed leader on the court. He guided the team through significant roster changes and maintained high expectations for championship contention throughout the mid-2010s. His leadership established a winning culture that had been absent since the franchise's relocation from Charlotte in 2002.
The chapter concluded abruptly in February 2017 when Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers following a contentious internal situation. This move marked the end of his twelve-year tenure, leaving a void that defined the subsequent rebuilding phase. Despite his departure, his legacy remains deeply embedded in New Orleans basketball history as the greatest player to wear the uniform before the Anthony Davis era fully took shape.
Did You Know?
- Chris Paul's jersey number 3 was officially retired by the Pelicans organization.
- He played for both the Hornets and the Pelicans during his twelve-year stint in New Orleans.
- Paul led the NBA in assists multiple times while playing for the franchise.
- The trade that sent him to Los Angeles involved three teams including the Lakers.