Fast start has Paul feeling content

The belief was he wanted a one-way ticket out of New Orleans. There was talk he wasn’t the NBA’s best point guard anymore, mostly from concern over his surgically repaired left knee that now bears a hefty brace. And despite losing just once in their first 12 games, his New Orleans Hornets have lots of non-believers – including their own fans, who weren’t interested enough to sell out a recent visit by Miami’s Big Three.

All of the criticism and skepticism has left Chris Paul amused.

“It was hilarious,” Paul said about all the off-season talk after helping the Hornets improve to a co-NBA-best 11-1 on Sunday with a 75-71 victory over the Kings.

“A lot of people say stuff,” he added. “They draw conclusions. I’m just glad that all that is over with. It doesn’t even matter now. I’m just glad I get the chance to play again.”

Paul described the Hornets’ front office work as “so far, so good.”

“Dell is not a GM that just shows up at the game,” Paul said. “You see him at practice. You see him on the road. He’s very engaging.”

One of the biggest concerns for the Hornets was finding a quality backup to Paul. New Orleans got that solved by dealing for Jack, Paul’s longtime close friend and former Atlantic Coast Conference rival who averaged 10.8 points, 4.5 assists and 3.2 rebounds while starting all of Toronto’s first 13 games.

The Hornets could even play a small backcourt with Paul and Jack, but Jack’s main role is to give Paul’s left knee some much-needed rest. If the physicals of the five players in Saturday’s five-player swap with Toronto are cleared, Jack could debut for the Hornets on Monday night against the Clippers.

“I’m excited,” Paul said. “J-Jack is like a brother to me. We talk on a regular basis. Our families are really close. He’s a great player. I’m excited for him to be here.”

Paul and the Hornets seem thrilled to still be together. And why shouldn’t they? Their rejuvenation and new direction has them looking like an NBA power.

“I’m happy. I’m happy. We’re good to go,” Paul said. “We’re looking good right now.”