Author: Monojit Mandal
During a recent interview on a renowned podcast, NBA player Chris Paul made an unexpected revelation about his departure from the New Orleans Hornets more than a decade ago. Paul’s choice to join the Los Angeles Clippers sparked outrage across the league at the time, especially after an attempted trade to the Los Angeles Lakers failed. David Stern, the then NBA commissioner, notoriously vetoed the deal moments before it was concluded. Paul’s departure made him public enemy No. 1 in New Orleans, with fans feeling betrayed by their best player.
Paul dropped a bombshell during the podcast conversation, revealing the fundamental reason for his departure from the Hornets and from the city itself. Apparently, he assumed that the team was about to leave New Orleans. He said that team management had informed him and his colleague, David West, that the Hornets were moving, listing Kansas City and different areas of California as possible destinations. Faced with this uncertainty, Paul and West made the difficult decision to seek new chances elsewhere.
However, contrary to popular belief, the franchise ended up returning to New Orleans. They were relaunched as the Pelicans in 2013, but Paul had already left for other adventures long before that.
Despite his turbulent departure, Paul recognized the unique place that New Orleans still holds in his heart. Reflecting on the importance of the city, he emphasized the strong relationship it has established with its citizens. He remembers being recruited about a month before the region was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. This shared experience forged an unbreakable bond between Paul and the city; a bond he loves and will cherish for the rest of his life.
Chris Paul’s surprising confession sheds even more light on his decision to leave the New Orleans Hornets. The idea that the brand was about to move, along with the effects of Hurricane Katrina, probably influenced the direction of his career. Although fans may still have mixed feelings about his departure, Paul’s genuine affection for New Orleans attests to the city’s lasting influence on his life and career.