Sometimes a team just can't lose. That was certainly the case for the New Orleans Hornets on the night of the 2005 NBA Draft, as they watched the Utah Jazz trade to get one spot ahead of them. With both teams needing point guards, the Jazz took Deron Williams of Illinois, leaving the Hornets to select Chris Paul. And while Williams has gone on to become and outstanding floor general in his own right, it's Paul who captured the hearts of the most fans and basketball card collectors with his sensational rookie season.
Not all observers were thrilled with Paul's selection. Despite being named ACC Rookie of the Year as a freshman and consensus first-team All-American as a sophomore at Wake Forest, some looked at Paul's height (listed at six feet) and wondered how he would fare in the NBA. His shaky outside shooting added to the skepticism.
Paul erased those doubts in style. He was an easy choice for 2005-06 Rookie of the Year after leading all newcomers in points, assists, steals and minutes. His speed more than made up for his lack of size and range, allowing him to score 16.1 points per game on 43 percent shooting. Paul was consistent too, winning Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors every month during his first campaign.
Any fears of Paul turning out to be a one-hit wonder have been quickly erased. His scoring and assists were both up through the first half of the 2006-07 season, and his three-point shooting has improved with better shot selection. His health remains an ongoing concern, as his small stature has left him at the mercy of several injuries in his young career, but if he stays on the court he could be averaging 20 points and 10 assists a game in the near future.
That kind of production could push his rookie cards to even higher levels. He's already the top draw in 2005-06 basketball sets, ahead of No. 1 pick Andrew Bogut, No. 2 pick Marvin Williams and Deron Williams, but he could push himself into the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade level of card values if his play - and his team - continue on an upward path. As with most players that entered the league since 2003, his 2005-06 Exquisite # 46 is his most valuable rookie, but his SPx # 153 is a good alternative as an autographed jersey rookie for less than 10 percent of the price.
Chris Paul 2005-06 Rookie Cards
- Bowman # 111
- Bowman Chrome # 111
- Exquisite # 46 - autographed jersey card #'d to 99
- Finest # 106 - #'d to 599
- Greats of the Game # 113 - autographed, #'d to 99
- Reflections # 149 - #'d to 1499
- SP Authentic # 94 - autographed, #'d to 1299
- SP Game Used # 149 - #'d to 999
- SP Signature Edition # 104 - #'d to 499
- SPx # 153 - autographed jersey card #'d to 750
- Topps # 224
- Topps Bazooka # 166
- Topps Big Game # 120 - #'d to 529
- Topps Chrome # 168
- Topps First Row # 108 - #'d to 549
- Topps Luxury Box # 114 - #'d to 999
- Topps Pristine # 104
- Topps Style # 154
- UD Portraits # 138 - #'d to 99
- Ultimate Collection # 146 - autographed, #'d to 250
- Upper Deck # 230 - SP
- Upper Deck ESPN # 93
- Upper Deck Hardcourt # 139 - #'d to 1750
- Upper Deck Rookie Debut # 103
- Upper Deck Slam # 93
- Upper Deck Sweet Shot # 149 - #'d to 499
- Upper Deck Trilogy # 137 - #'d to 599
