NBA Draft: Every team’s best pick ever

Jun 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) speaks to the media during a press conference after game four of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Warriors won 108-97. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets, NBA Draft

NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 28: (L-R) Willie Green /

New Orleans Pelicans: Chris Paul, No. 4, 2005 NBA Draft

After two seasons at Wake Forest, Paul was selected fourth overall in the 2005 NBA Draft by the then New Orleans Hornets. Paul had one of the greatest rookie seasons in recent history, leading all rookies in points and assists, and leading the league in steals. By his third season, Paul was one of the top point guards in the league, leading the league in assists and steals per game while carrying the Hornets into the postseason. Paul would make four All-Star teams while with the Hornets, and played in 23 playoff games as well.

In December 2011, after an original trade to the Lakers was nixed by the league (who were managing the Hornets at the time), Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. There he joined with Blake Griffin to lead the Clippers. He has had considerable success in Los Angeles, putting together some of the best individual seasons of his career, even as age takes it’s toll. However, Paul has still not been able to take his team to the NBA Finals and tough playoff losses overshadow a fantastic postseason career. While Paul’s time with the Hornets was brief, there has not been a better player in franchise history.

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