All-Star Point Guard Chris Paul Named New Players Union President
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul has been named the president of the National Basketball Players Association, a source close to situation reported on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old Paul became the latest head of the players' union, replacing former Los Angeles Lakers and current Oklahoma City point guard Derek Fisher.
Prior to assuming the post, Paul served as the vice president of the union, whose longtime executive director Billy Hunter was booted out amid turmoil and controversy.
"I think I have a lot of experience, being around and knowing what's going on," Paul told USA Today on Wednesday. "Moving forward is not about me or any one person. It's about the players as a whole. It's going to take a lot of work, but we have a great executive committee, a great group of guys who are ready to move forward."
The six-time All-Star and multiple All-NBA selections gives the NBPA a superstar-caliber president since New York Knicks center Patrick Ewing assumed the same position from the 90s to early 2000s.
Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver also backed up the election of Paul as president of the players' union.
"Chris is an All-Star player and person, and we look forward to working with him," said Silver, who will replace outgoing commissioner David Stern on February 1."
Roger Mason, Steve Blake and Anthony Tolliver were also elected as vice presidents of the union.