Clippers' Paul hopes to play in All-Star Game

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul says he hopes to play in the All-Star Gamebut it's too early to know whether he'll be healthy enough to return for the Feb. 16 contest in New Orleans. 

Paul was announced as an All-Star reserve Thursday. He earned MVP honors after leading the West to a victory over the East in last year's game. 

Paul played his first six seasons in New Orleans. He has been out since separating his right shoulder in a win against Dallas on Jan. 3 and is expected to return sometime around the All-Star break.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers said before his team played at the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night that he has no problem if Paul's first game back is the All-Star game.

Source: http://www.nba.com/2014/news/01/30/clippers-paul-all-star.ap/index.html

Clippers' Paul wins Kia Community Assist Award for April

NEW YORK -- Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul is the recipient of the "Kia Community Assist Award" for April in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community, ongoing advocacy, and philanthropy, the NBA announced today.

Kia and the NBA are honoring Paul for his commitment to the well-being of youth, as well as his continuous efforts through the CP3 Foundation. The six-time NBA All-Star is passionate about using his influence to enhance the work of national and international non-profit organizations to help communities around the world. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Paul is showing his support as a spokesperson for Prevent Child Abuse America, a national organization that works to ensure the healthy development of children. Paul is currently featured in Prevent Child Abuse America's Ties for a Cause campaign, with proceeds benefitting the organization, and also participated in a fundraising auction to raise additional funds for the organization.

"I learned at an early age that you can make a major difference in someone's life by supporting your community," said Paul. "Community service is not something I have to do; it's something I want to do. While donating money is important, it is also important to be visible in the community and sharing time with people so that they know you care."

Paul demonstrates an even greater commitment to service through the CP3 Foundation, which strives to enhance and promote education, health, sports, and social responsibility for youth and families. Established in 2005, the foundation focuses on enriching communities through a number of initiatives, including the Nathaniel Jones Scholarship Fund, the CP3K Walk for Kids, CP3 Afterschool Zone, and the Jada Paul Prom Dress Giveaway.

This month, the CP3 Foundation held its 2nd annual Jada Paul Prom Dress Giveaway for 130 high school juniors/ seniors. Teenage girls from the Los Angeles area took part in a day full of dress selection, beauty giveaways, and motivational speakers. Prior to tonight's home game against the Memphis Grizzlies, NBA Cares Ambassador Bob Lanier will be on hand to present Paul with the "Kia Community Assist Award." Paul will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, "Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece." In addition, Kia and the NBA will donate $10,000 on Chris Paul's behalf to the CP3 Foundation.

Kia Motors has been an NBA Cares partner since 2010. The league presents the "Kia Community Assist Award" monthly throughout the season as well as a final award at the end of the season to recognize players for their year-round charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.

To learn more, please log on to www.nba.com/kiacommunityassist.

Original post at NBA.com

Paul Pierce still likes Boston Celtics in ever-changing NBA

When he considers the new-age look of the NBA, Paul Pierce just shakes his head. Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh keeping company in Miami. Talk of Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony leaving their respective teams.

“I have never seen a summer like this,” the Celtics captain said yesterday at his youth camp at Basketball City. “The landscape of the NBA is changing, West to East.

“It’s like the season never ended. You are seeing a new era in basketball. It’s going to be different the next 10, 15 years.”

Of course, Pierce’s team hasn’t exactly let the world pass by. General Manager Danny Ainge made several big moves this offseason, including re-signing Paul Pierce (after he opted out of his contract), Ray Allen, Nate Robinson and Marquis Daniels and adding veteran centers Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal.

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LeBron, Carmelo, Wade attend negotiating session

NEW YORK—LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul were among the players who attended a negotiating session between the NBA and the union Thursday.

"It is important for me that all of us, as being the faces of the NBA, to be involved in the negotiations and what's going on," Carmelo Anthony said as he left. "Our future is in jeopardy if we can't come into a mutual agreement."

Chauncey Billups and Joe Johnson also attended. Chris Paul is the only one of the All-Stars who was scheduled to be there as a member of the players' executive committee.

Players' association executive director Billy Hunter said 14 players participated in the meeting in Manhattan. The sides agreed to hold another session before training camp so players can take part again.

The current collective bargaining agreement expires June 30, 2011.

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