Warning: This is going to make you feel extremely old. Are you ready? Today, Chris Paul turns the big 3-0!
It feels like it was just yesterday when commissioner David Stern said Paul's name when announcing the Hornets' fourth overall pick. But that was a decade ago.
Through the years, Paul has racked up tons of accolades, including eight NBA All-Star selections, the 2006 Rookie of the Year award, four All-NBA First Team and four NBA All-Defensive First Team honors. But there is one piece of hardware that has eluded him thus far: the Larry O'Brien trophy.
While reaching this type of milestone in life is something worth celebrating, Paul has more important matters to tend to at the moment. For one, working towards getting back onto the court and helping the Los Angeles Clippers get that NBA title this year. So, while the pride of Winston-Salem, N.C. is a little preoccupied to observe the day like he should, we'll take the time to acknowledge his birthday by taking a look back at the things you may not know about him.
From scoring 61 points in a high school basketball game to honor his grandfather to the time Michael Jordan dished out the assist on his game-winning shot in a pick-up game, here are 30 Things You Didn't Know About Chris Paul.
31. He intentionally scored 61 points in a game to honor every year of his grandfather's life.
30. He was an Academic All-American with a 3.21 GPA.
29. He and his family appeared on “Family Feud.”
28. He bought his current house from Avril Lavigne.
27. His favorite video game growing up was "Virtua Tennis."
26. He and Reggie Bush share(d) a personal chef.
25. He was named one of People's “100 Most Beautiful People.”
24. He wrote a children's book.
23. He held a copy of his grandfather's obituary before every one of his college games.
22. For three years, he was president of his high school class.
21. He hosted both Greg Oden and Mike Conley on their official visits to Wake Forest.
20. He doesn't believe in talking trash (to his guy only).
19. He was 5'1” when he started high school.
18. He pumps himself up before games with gospel music.
17. His grandfather opened the first black-owned service station in North Carolina.
16. He was a spokesperson for the United States Bowling Congress.
15. He owns his own Professional Bowlers Association team.
14. Part of Paul's rookie hazing included singing Madonna's “Vogue.”
13. Paul appeared on the NPR game show, “Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me!”
12. Paul and his brother weren't allowed to play basketball unless they maintained a 3.0 GPA.
11. In sixth grade, Paul had a pair of Jordan 13s stolen out of his locker while he was playing in an intramural basketball game.
10. He has the type of sneaker collection which would make all sneakerheads weep.
9. He's a huge Gladiator.
8. He played football before basketball.
7. His son beat Grant Hill in a game of one-on-one.
6. He met his wife through a mutual friend in high school.
5. He likely would've joined the Tar Heels, but they wanted him to walk on in his freshman year.
4. In college, he would go with his family to IHOP after every game.
3. Michael Jordan gave him the assist on a game-winning shot in a pickup game.
2. He hates when people tap his head.
