MOSCONA: It’s time NOLA appreciates Chris Paul before it’s too late

By Matt Moscona

The Pelicans and Spurs will play Tuesday night at the Smoothie King Center because the schedule says they have to.

There just isn’t much appeal to this game. Only Washington has fewer wins than New Orleans. Victor Wembanyama is shut down for the season. Zion Williamson–while spectacularly efficient–is on a minutes restriction. Neither team is in the playoff mix.

Still, the arena should be packed tonight for one reason only: to give Chris Paul the ovation he deserves.

Louisiana is culturally different. Our food is different. Our accents are different. Our priorities are different. We know it and we’re proud of it.

Our state is also flawed. We’re last in everything you want to be first in and first in everything you want to be last in. But this state isn’t made up of roads, buildings or businesses. The people make it what it is. Never is that more evident than in times of need. We’ve got a thing called the Cajun Navy where civilians hop in boats to rescue strangers during floods. Where else does that happen?

We’re proud of our state and the people in it. And we rally around the success of our sports teams that unite us.

When someone who is not from here embraces our idiosyncrasies, we’ll give them the biggest collective bear hug they will ever feel. Louisianians love in a way like no other community can. Ask Drew Brees or Joe Burrow what that’s like.

Chris Paul knows it too. And he reciprocated. He was loved. But then he left. Now he’s booed.

But we’re the ones who are missing the point.

In an interview last year on The Pivot, Paul explained his exit from New Orleans in 2011.

Tonight could be @CP3 final game in New Orleans.

His interview last year on @thepivot explained his NOLA exit in a way most don’t know.

While unlikely, I hope he gets the appreciation he deserves while he’s still playing. pic.twitter.com/BhG8FYuzET

— Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) February 25, 2025

Paul related stories mostly untold about how the team, which was owned by the NBA at the time, was going to be relocated. “They (were) coming to practice and telling us the team was leaving.” Paul said. “When I left, it wasn’t like ‘I’m leaving New Orleans because I want to be out of here.'”

The greatest player in franchise history didn’t want to leave New Orleans. In fact, despite years of boos from the local fans, he still identifies with the city and its people.

“That city,” Paul paused, “You know and I know, I will never have another bond like I had with that city.”

“The city of New Orleans will forever hold the deepest place in my heart.”

Chris Paul gets it. We’re the ones who have missed it.

Despite playing just six seasons with the then-Hornets, Paul is still the franchise leader in nearly 20 categories. He was the Rookie of the Year, a four-time All Star and finished second to Kobe Bryant in the MVP voting in 2008. Chris Paul made a generation of New Orleans sports fans care about the NBA.

In the 13 seasons since he’s been gone, Paul has played for six different franchises while seeking the championship that has evaded him during his Hall of Fame career. But New Orleans is still the place he identifies with most.

“I’ve got real family that lives in that city,” Paul told The Pivot.

Many families become estranged for different reasons. Too often, family members pass on without ever mending fences with those they love.

Chris Paul is nearing the end of his illustrious career. Tuesday might be the final time he takes the court in the building he brought to life. It would be great if boos were replaced with cheers echoing when his name is announced.

One day, Paul’s No. 3 jersey will hang in the rafters of that building. Fans will stand a cheer then.

So, why not start now?

It’s an opportunity to make an otherwise meaningless game a memorable one for the player who gave the city a big bear hug and never let go–even if we did.