Maturation Of The Point Guard

Is it the respect he commands on the basketball court? Or is it his ability to raise the level of his teammates play? Whatever it is, New Orleans Hornet point guard Chris Paul is solidifying himself as one of the greatest point guards in the NBA.

Don't be alarmed when the word "great" and Chris Paul are mentioned in the same sentence. The North Carolina native, who is only in his fourth year of the NBA, smashes the idea of what a point guard can bring to a team. Paul's presence on the basketball floor is enormous. From his pinpoint passes to his dissection of NBA defenses, Paul has mastered his point guard position.

In years past, the NBA point guard's sole duty was to initiate their team's offensive sets and occasionally knock down an open jump shot. But things started to change when a guy named Oscar Robertson opened the blind eyes of coaches around the NBA. The "Big O" took it upon himself to bring more to his team. He did that by distributing the basketball, assisting, rebounding, defending and leading his 1971 Milwaukee Bucks team to the NBA championship.

Chris Paul is equipped with all the tools the "Big O" embodied. Paul has the ability to score, pass and defend. But the intangibles are the things that sets him apart from other NBA point guards. Paul's competitive nature and desire to win are things that were instilled into his game as a young child. Constant one-on-one battles in his backyard with his older brother C.J. allowed Chris to develop his feisty edge.

After the completion of his first NBA season, Paul was selected Rookie of the Year, NBA All Rookie First Team and he ran away with the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award in every month for the entire 2005-2006 season. Did I mention he led the Hornets to 20 more wins averaging 16.1 points, 7.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds a game as a rookie. With those eye popping numbers you have to shake your head because Chris Paul was flat out amazing.

The next season Paul elevated his scoring and assists, but people were still skeptical because in his two NBA seasons, Paul never reached the NBA playoffs.

Entering his third year, the Hornets were able to return home to New Orleans for a full NBA season. Since the tragic events of Hurricane Katrina, the city of New Orleans looked for a savior to lift their spirits. Paul delivered right on time as he led New Orleans to an astounding 56-26 regular season record. It was the best record in the franchise history and more importantly New Orleans reached the NBA playoffs.

Some players have jitters when the playoffs come around, the intense environment causes frustration and doubt. But when your name is Chris Paul, you rise to the occasion. Paul set a record for an NBA playoff debut against the San Antonio Spurs scoring 35 points, dishing out 10 assists and picking the Spurs pocket four times. New Orleans ended San Antonio's season, winning 4 games to 1. In the series clinching game, Chris Paul finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds and 15 assists.

The level of play that was orchestrated by Paul in the 2007-2008 NBA season opened everyone's eyes just like Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson was able to. Paul finished second to Kobe Bryant in MVP voting and broke Alvin Roberston's 22 year-old NBA record by stealing the ball at least once in 106 consecutive games

Paul's maturation at the point guard position came quicker than anyone thought. His consistent elite play continues to heighten his already decorated NBA career. The floor general has improved the play of his teammates as well. Forward David West and center Tyson Chandler are playing their best basketball in their NBA careers. Paul and Chandler have been the most successful tandem off the pick and roll since the days of John Stockton and Karl Malone. David West's hard nosed play in the paint made him an all-star during the 2007-2008 season. West fed off Chris Paul's playmaking ability as he averaged 20 points and 8.9 rebounds during his all-star season.

With the addition of James Posey, the Hornets hold a 28-17 record and their regarded as one of the best teams in the Western Conference this season. Paul is averaging 21.5 points, 10.9 assists and 2.8 steals per game, while shooting 49% from the field. CP3 still has his eyes set on winning an NBA title or two with his Hornet teammates and the city of New Orleans is patiently waiting.


Be Peaceful

• Tough luck for Jameer Nelson. The Orlando Magic point guard stellar play allowed him to be selected for his first NBA All-Star game. The bad new is that Nelson tore his right labrum in his shoulder and he may need season ending surgery. Stay positive Jameer!
• Move over MJ! Kobe surpassed "His Airness" as he poured in a ridiculous 61 points at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. The fans gave Kobe an overwhelming applause as he displayed his greatness on the big stage. Bryant finished 19-31 from the field, 20-20 from the free throw line and 3-6 from downtown.
• The 2009 NBA All-Star weekend is next week and the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest has been the most talked about event. Participants include last year's champion Dwight Howard, Rudy Gay, Nate Robinson and Rudy Fernandez. I'm just going to put it out there...I have Rudy Gay taking this year's crown!!

Award Winners...So Far

Attention all NBA watchers in the world, the 2009 NBA All-Star game is right around the corner and its time to look at players who are leading the categories for Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, Rookie Of The Year and Sixth Man Of The Year.


Most Valuable Player

1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers: For those that have doubted the King's inability to have a consistent jump shot, you may need to re-think your comments. Everyone in the world knows that his extraordinary talent of attacking the basket will never leave him, but LeBron has added to his game. LeBron's consistency of his jump shot from mid-range and from three has made him an even stronger force.

The Cavaliers have the second best record in the NBA at 30-6 and continue to dominate at the Quicken Loans Arena where they are 19-0. James is averaging 27.7 ppg, 6.6 apg, 6.6 rpg and the King is shooting 50.8 % from the field. Oh and I almost forgot about LeBron's 38 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics on Jan. 9th.

The players that follow LeBron in the MVP race are Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat (29.0 ppg, 7.1 apg, 5.1 rpg) and Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers (27.0 ppg, 4.6 apg, 5.3 rpg). Also watch for New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul.


Defensive Player Of The Year

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic: When your nickname is Superman, you should be able to do it all. Offensively Howard is a bully with his 20 points and 13 rebounds a night, but defensively he is the anchor in the paint for the Orlando Magic. Even though the Eastern Conference lacks true big men that can dominate, Howard's imposing presence creates problems for opponents who dare to come in the lane. On the year so far, Howard is averaging 3.22 blocks per game and 9.4 defensive rebounds per game.

The Magic opponents are shooting 42% from the field which isn't too good if you understand the game of basketball. The Magic lead the Southeast Division at 31-8

Players that follow Howard for the Defensive Player Of The Year race are Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics (9.2 rpg and 1.9 bpg) and Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat (2.3 spg and 1.6 bpg)

Most Improved Player

1.Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers: If I were a coach in the NBA, Danny Granger would be making the All-Star team, no questions asked! Granger has elevated his play since opening night and the NBA is watching. In the 07-08 NBA season Granger averaged 19.6 ppg and 2.1 apg, but this year Granger has increased his scoring (26.4 ppg) and he's dishing the ball out more (3.4 apg). In only his third NBA season, Granger has taken over games with his deadly jump shot frustrating opponents.

Even though the Pacers are in last place of the Central Division (14-25), Granger has solidified himself as an All-Star this season and hopefully seasons to come.

Players that follow behind Granger in the Most Improved Player watch are Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets (22.7 ppg, 6.5 apg) and Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic (16.6 ppg, 5.3 apg, FG% 50, 3P% 45).

Sixth Man Of The Year

1. Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks: "The Jet" is still flying high with his 20.5 ppg and 46% shooting from the field. The 9 year NBA veteran has provided a spark from the bench for the Dallas Mavericks this season. Terry, who has been a starter for most of his career, made the transition to the bench for the betterment of the Mavericks. When starter Josh Howard went down with a wrist injury, Mavericks head coach Rick Carlise inserted Terry into the starting line-up. Terry didn't disappoint as he dropped 33 points on the Sacramento Kings on Jan. 11th. Look for Terry to continue his bench production as the season goes on for the Mavericks.

Players that follow behind Jason Terry for Sixth Man Of The Year are Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs (15 ppg, 3.6 apg) and Charlie Villanueva, Milwaukee Bucks (13.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg)

Rookie Of The Year

1. O.J. Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies: Um excuse me..more Mayo Please. O.J. Mayo has been a very solid contributor in his rookie season, helping Rudy Gay with scoring and leadership duties. Mayo is averaging 19.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, he shots 44% from the field and 38% from three. The kid who was bred for the NBA his whole life is living up to expectations that many have of him. Consistency has allowed Mayo to rise above fellow top picks Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley. The Grizzlies sit at the bottom of the Southwest Division with an 11-27 record.

Players that follow Mayo in the Rookie race are Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls (16.9 ppg, 6.3 apg) and Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder (14.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.9 apg)

As the NBA season continues, players may elevate their games and their teams. Look for spots to change in these categories because there are many games to be played.

Be Peaceful