By This past offseason in the NBA was a little bit crazy. It all started with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh joining forces in Miami. However, that was not the end of things. Shortly after that announcement, Chris Paul started to make headlines as well, but it was for all the wrong reasons. After a disappointing and injury-riddled season in New Orleans, it was reported that CP3 wanted out of the Big Easy and wanted to play for a winning team. However, if that was his wish as was reported, it has yet to be granted. He will start this season with the same team that he has played for his entire career. While the Hornets have an uphill battle in the loaded Western Conference, Chris Paul is still one of the best point guards in the NBA and one of the best players in the NBA as well. Many people will focus on his future in New Orleans, but with CP3 back in the mix, the Hornets can once again be a playoff team in 2010. Chris Paul joined The Dan Patrick Show to talk about the offseason that he had and the headlines he created, where all that talk came from, what the future holds for him in New Orleans, and his expectations for the Hornets this season.
On how LeBron is handling the criticism:
“No he’s fine. He’s an unbelievable player that had seven unbelievable years in Cleveland. It was his option to decide whether or not he wanted to leave or stay.”
On whether he thought he would be in New Orleans at the start of the year:
“Yeah. I was going to be here in New Orleans.”
On how all that talk came about this offseason:
“It was all over the place and the thing is now I’m just excited that the season is finally here. Tomorrow we actually get an opportunity to get out there and play. We had a lot of new acquisitions this summer, a lot of new additions. Now I’m glad that all that is behind us and the real important part starts now and that’s playing the game.”
On whether or not he plans on staying in New Orleans:
“Yeah I plan on trying to get off to a great start here so we can hopefully win a championship.”
On whether or not the Hornets are concerned with the Lakers:
“The Lakers. Very. Very. Those guys are the two time defending champions. We didn’t make the playoffs last year so we have a ton of teams to worry about here in the West with the Lakers, the Jazz, Oklahoma City, Denver, and those types of teams.”
On whether or not he is a top five point guard in the NBA:
“In my mind of course. (Host: Are you top three?) In my mind of course. (Host: Are you the best point guard in the NBA?) Like I said in my mind of course.”
On how his knee is doing:
“Don’t know about wearing a brace yet but I’m feeling great and I can’t wait. I don’t know if I have ever been this excited going into a season. I’ve been pretty excited year in and year out but this year is to a whole ‘nother level.”
You’re not going to win 50 games this year:
“Not 50? (Host: No. I have you for 42 wins and I have you for 23 points and 10 assists) We’re gonna see what all that looks like at the end of the season. (Host: What’s more likely to happen. 42 wins or you going for 22 and 10?) What’s more likely to happen? We’re gonna win more than 42 games. (Host: You’re guaranteeing that?) I’m not guaranteeing nothing. (Host: If you’re healthy the whole year you’re winning 42 or more?) Yes sir.”
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