Earlier this month rumors circulated that LeBron James, the best basketball player in the world and the game's most prominent ambassador was going to make a run at the presidency of the NBA Players Union.
LeBron ultimately decided he didn't have the time to do it, but the need for a strong personality to head the union remained-enter Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul.
The game's top point guard is taking over the role from Derek Fisher, becoming the biggest name to sit in that chair since Patrick Ewing. "I've been thinking about (running) for a while on and off," said Paul. "I've had a lot of dialogue about it with committee members. I wouldn't have taken on the role if I was going to do it alone."
With a president in place, the league can begin moving forward on crucial issues such as human growth hormone testing, to avoid the steroid-driven circus baseball has become, and the age limit for entering the NBA draft, which is currently 19. "For us, it's all about getting our house in order and making sure that everything moves right in that direction," Paul said.
Paul believes he can restore unity in the union, after a long slog through the 2011-2012 lockout tore at the fabric of the NBPA, specifically the power struggle between Fisher and Billy Hunter. "We're excited about the road ahead," Paul said. "It was something I saw as a challenge, something I knew I'd be able to handle. It's an unbelievable opportunity, a lot of responsibility comes with this position."
On Twitter, several players reacted positively to Paul's election. Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, who was elected to the NBPA executive committee, tweeted Congrats to @CP3 taking over the NBPA president role. And to @ATolliver44 and Steve Blake joining the committee. #ourvoice."
Former teammate Caron Butler tweeted, "Congrats @CP3 on the president position well deserved...#Respect," and Mo Williams followed suit as well saying, "Congrats to the homie @CP3. #leadusmybrudha."
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