Dear Chris Paul,
Although you’re not my favorite person right now, that doesn’t take away from the reality that you deserve a ticker tape parade for what you’ve done for basketball in New Orleans. Without you, it’s a very real possibility that we wouldn’t still have a professional team anymore. Save maybe Drew Brees, I don’t think there is an individual athlete that the city of New Orleans owes more to.
As a fan of the game and the Hornets especially, it has truly been a joy watching you grow both as a player and as a member of society. The consequences of your generosity will long out-live your days on the court in New Orleans, and your on-the-court legacy should only continue to grow as you move on with your NBA career. We are beyond fortunate to have been witness to your first seven years in the league, and the overwhelming majority of us acknowledge and are thankful for that.
We also realize that the Hornets franchise has in the past not capitalized on having you on the roster. Things are different now, but even if the team gets a great new owner and you agreed to help recruit free agents (two big if’s), there’s no guarantee that the Hornets would be on the level that the Heat or Lakers will be. We get that the grass is greener on the other side. You’ve earned a free pass from us to check it out.
It’s completely fine that you want to leave. We have Dell Demps, Monty Williams and a Hornets staff that has, quite frankly, been kicking ass and taking names as of late. We’re going to get a new owner, a new TV deal, a new benchmark-free lease with the state, and a new deal on naming rights. We’re going to be OK. A lot of that is thanks to you.
What’s important to fans like me is that you’re honest. Most of us are grown up, and we appreciate being told the truth. Don’t pretend that you don’t know why there are trade rumors about you. Don’t act like you can’t control them. Tell us what’s in your heart– whatever that is. We can take it. If Katrina taught us anything, it’s that we can take it.
You’ve given us fans more than most of us ever dreamed of when you were drafted fourth back in 2005. Now we only ask that you give us the courtesy of acknowledging the reality of your, scratch that, our situation. None of us prefer to resent you leaving. We have no interest in being bitter. We want to remember you fondly and cheer for you wherever you wind up.
Please give us that opportunity,
18 responses to “Dear Chris Paul: Leave New Orleans the Right Way”
Reminisce…….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-iah3_eT8k
sigh….man man man
Amen.
Chris’ latest comment for the media: “I don’t think about it to tell you the truth,’’ Paul said, referring to the trade rumors (from that paragon of journalistic talent, John Reid.
Really. Truthfully. Doesn’t even think about trades. Chris Paul is “honest?” Time for the hero worship to stop and the real truth to be recognized. CP3 checked out of NOLA, heart and all, a long time ago.
Getting equal value for a star player is almost always imposible. Trade Paul, get the best deal posible and move on, Id say ala Deron Williams and the Jazz minus the animosity – do it the right way.
On a similar note if Paul wants to go to the NY and the nicks want him so badly make them negotiate the contract extension with paul, do not get in the same situation Denver got into with Melo.
Fact – CP3 saved the Hornets in New Orleans.
Well said Joe.
He may not be the CP3 we grew to know and love, but the grass is greener for both pastures. LBJ and pals are welcome to this CP3. I want heart, not Hollywood, leading my basketball team.
I’ll be forever grateful for having him here and will miss his talents on the court and contributions off the court. However, he doesn’t want to be here. And, in New Orleans, if you don’t want to be here, than we don’t need you here. It’s a special city for special individuals.
Honestly, I hope for CP3 that he doesn’t let Melo/Amare take advantage of being able to make 20mil a year while he makes 10. At least Bosh/Wade/Bron are on equal footing. I just get the feeling Chris is being used and it sucks. Want out? Fine. But not like this Chris.
“And, in New Orleans, if you don’t want to be here, than we don’t need you here. It’s a special city for special individuals. ”
Excellent point.
Also, for those like me who pray for a sliver of a chance for an MT5 reunion:
http://www.sactownroyalty.com/2011/11/30/2600161/marcus-thornton-contract-sacramento-kings-nba-free-agents-2011
They’re not getting rid of him and will pay him more than likely. Good for MT5.
This is a new sports world where the players control the franchise and not the franchise controling the players i understand that a player have a right be traded or be free to test the market but at the same you’ve to give your present team a chance.CP3 loves this since they’re no ownership he can play with the Hornets fan base to an t.Someone please buy this team and give this franchise “a real touch of paint”
This is a new sports world where the player control the franchise and the franchise control the players.I understand that players have the right to be a free agent and to be free to test the market but at the same time you’ve to give your present team a chance to rebulid not in your image but in the team image.Theres no “I” in team at the same time CP3 loves this since theres no permant owner he has free rein to play with franchise and fans minds.We need an owner now who can be man to man with him.They’re were days when players were loyal to their fans and their franchise when players delt with the good and the bad.Now they whine that their team is not going into the right direction if wants things right you’ve to have balls to request for change.Not cry be a man CP3.
one of the best posts imho!
let him go! and if possible, better sooner than later! i don’t want to have the melo-lbj-circus surrounding every damn game! let’s play ball!
agreed. tired of all the rumors. i want to hear from CP3, and none of this “i don’t think about them” bullcrap. I want real, honest to god answers. TY. great and honest post. touches the heart of true fans.
If he’s checking out and won’t sign an extension for a trade to the Clippers or any other team but the Knicks then I’d rather see the Hornets trade him to the Cavs for a second round pick than get Toney Douglas and Landry Fields in return. At least then we can completely suck this year and start over with Barnes/Sullinger/Rivers while Chris wastes a year on a talentless team and takes a large paycut to play with his buddies. I want Chris to succeed and I really think a Knicks team with him would be fun to watch, but don’t be a diva about it and force your way there so you can get your full extension. If you really want the Hornets to oblige you with about $30 million extra then keep your options open and see what’s in the best interest of the Hornets. I garauntee that’s not getting Fields and Douglas back. I personally like DeAndre Jordan, Eric Gordon, and Aminu plus a high draft pick next year.
Trust me we dont want Sullinger. He will be a sligh upgrade over what glen davis is. He is too small and not quick enough to be a super star 4 or 3. Rivers, im not sold on. Barnes…eh maybe. Watch some more college bball there are some more talented players than those 3.
If we’re talking trades….
How about Chris Paul to Denver for Ty Lawson and Timofey Mosgov and the Nuggets 1st round pick (2012). Yes we lose a superstar. But we get two talented young pieces that could step in and help right away and for years to come. And we have an extra pick in next year’s talent-laden draft.
WHat do you guys think?
Why would he sign an extension with Denver?
Its simple everyone. He is going to get traded and we should do it sooner rather than later.
If management waits to long to trade chris the more likely I feel chris will just say he wont sign an extension with that team because he knows he is closer and closer to free agency where he can just sign with the knicks.
Also management needs to take advantage of the fact that chris is willing to sign with certain teams. Explore those options first, then weigh them against any other option that comes in from other teams (likely that those teams will not have as good of packages because they are afraid cp wont sign extension with them).
I love chris and he has been my favorite player for a while but the organization needs to do whats best for the franchise and thats to trade chris early to get maximum value in return.
My two cents on where they NEED to trade him. I really dont see any reason the hornets should not trade chris to the clippers. He already said hed sign an extension with them, so it gives the clippers the belief they can keep him long term therefor allowing them to give up more. In return we can easily get back deandre jordan (who i think will be a double double machine), eric gordon (very solid 2 guard, great shooter, under rated athlete), and probably the first round pick they own from minnestoa (unprotected which will lead to probably a top 5 pick in a awesome draft class this year). Perhaps get eric bledsoe back as well for point guard of the future. This would add depth, give us a future of a talented team, and avoid all the drama trading chris paul will bring all year.
TRADE HIM NOW
Agreed. If Chris really wants out, then we have no obligation to please him. Send him to whomever gives US the best deal.
And:
“And, in New Orleans, if you don’t want to be here, than we don’t need you here. It’s a special city for special individuals. â€
Best quote ever. Buy in, like Brees did, or leave.