Chris Paul
The point guard who gave the Pelicans national credibility and made championship talk feel less like a pipe dream.
2011. The Pelicans, still shaking off the dust of relocating from Charlotte, pull a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Clippers and land CP3. Chris Paul didn't just join the roster — he made New Orleans feel like a real NBA city again. Overnight the team went from a rebrand to a legitimate playoff contender, and the fanbase finally had a guy to rally behind. Elite point guard play, that high basketball IQ, competitive fire in every single possession. CP3 turned a franchise in flux into something you could point to and say, 'Yeah, this is ours, and this is good.'
- Role
- Point Guard
- Affiliation
- New Orleans Pelicans (2011–2017)
- Status
- Franchise Legend / Retired from Team
- Jersey Number
- 3
- Key Achievement
- NBA All-Star Selections in New Orleans
- Legacy Impact
- Established the team's identity and playoff culture
Lore & Background
Paul's time in New Orleans was marked by intense rivalries and memorable playoff runs, most notably the historic series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite facing significant injury setbacks that limited his minutes in later seasons, his presence alone elevated the team's ceiling. He became a symbol of resilience for the franchise, embodying the spirit of a city that refuses to be defeated. Even after his departure via trade to the Houston Rockets in 2017, the shadow of CP3 remains over the Smoothie King Center, with jersey number 3 effectively retired from the team's active rotation by fan decree.
In Their Own Story
The arena hums with a nervous energy as the clock winds down. Chris Paul stands at the top of the key, sweat dripping onto the polished hardwood, eyes locked on the defense. The crowd in the lower bowl is silent, holding its breath. He dribbles left, then right, reading the rotation before launching a no-look pass that threads through a gap no one else saw. It's not just a play; it's a statement. In this moment, under the bright lights of New Orleans, he isn't just playing basketball; he is conducting an orchestra, turning chaos into order with a single, decisive motion.
Reader's Guide
Chris Paul joined the Pelicans in 2011 and quickly established himself as one of the league's premier point guards. During his six seasons with the franchise, he averaged elite numbers in assists, steals, and field goal percentage, earning three NBA All-Star selections while wearing the green and gold.
His signature moments include leading the team to their first playoff series victory since relocating and delivering a legendary performance against the Lakers in the 2013 playoffs. Paul was instrumental in drafting Anthony Davis and building a core that consistently challenged for Western Conference supremacy.
Although he never won an MVP award or a championship ring with New Orleans, his impact is immeasurable. He set numerous franchise records for assists and steals that still stand today. His leadership transformed the Pelicans from a lottery team into a perennial playoff threat, leaving a legacy of high basketball IQ and competitive intensity.
Did You Know?
- Chris Paul was traded to the Pelicans in a deal involving Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, and future draft picks.
- He held the franchise record for most career assists until recent years, showcasing his longevity as the primary ball-handler.
- Paul's jersey number 3 is widely considered unofficially retired by the fanbase due to his immense popularity during his tenure.