Chris Paul’s Return To Louisiana Was Bittersweet

All-Star point guard Chris Paul spent the first six years of his career playing for the New Orleans Hornets. After demanding a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers in December, Paul returned the Crescent City to face his former team last night. Needless to say, it was bittersweet.

 Seeking a more stable environment, Paul pushed for a trade away from the only franchise he ever knew. Ironically, in his return to the Hive last night, it was his Clipper team that is swirling in uncertainty. Various reports suggest that Clipper head coach Vinny Del Negro has "lost his team." What began as a highlight reel season, filled with big wins on National TV, has turned into a team struggling to find its identity as they plummet in the standings.

Paul admitted that his emotions were strange, and the whole night was weird. Hornets fans gave him a standing ovation, and then showed Paul that they have moved on to the next chapter in their favorite basketball team's life. A physical 97-90 Hornets win only made things harder for Paul.

NBA beat writer Ian Thomsen of cnnsi.com has more on Paul's bittersweet return to Lousiana. Click here to check it out.