Chris Paul says his best years were spent playing for the New Orleans Hornets

Dec 12, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 12, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

The NBA All-Star Weekend is finally upon us and all eyes are focused on New Orleans for the festivities. From the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge to the Dunk Contest and the All-Star Game itself, this weekend will be a celebration of basketball in the Big Easy.

One player returning to New Orleans is seeing the trip as emotional vacation to the past, as Chris Paul has fond memories of his years spent with the then New Orleans Hornets. Paul was traded a few years ago to the Los Angeles Clippers after being with the Hornets since being drafted in 2005, but he’s never forgotten about his time spent on the bayou.

In a fabulous interview with Marc J. Spears, Paul says that his best years were spent playing for the Hornets.

"Paul said he played the best basketball of his career in New Orleans. What the All-Star did in New Orleans and how he departed will never be forgotten. So should the Pelicans retire Paul’s Hornets jersey one day?“That’s tough. That’s completely up to them,” Paul said. “For me, New Orleans will always have a special place in my heart.”"

Paul also said he’s happy right now with the Clippers too, so don’t read too far into his feelings. Still, it’s nice to know that Paul hasn’t forgotten about the city of New Orleans or he team he helped lead.

Everyone suggests that LeBron James returning to Cleveland would be a story book ending, but after hearing how invested Paul is in New Orleans, perhaps a return to the Big Easy somewhere down the road would be an even better story.