Chris Paul passes along lessons on the importance of family

The Clippers point guard makes sure he thinks of those close to him before each game, and he digs deep to bring out the best in others.

Clippers guard Chris Paul listens to the National Anthem prior to an exhibition game against the Lakers in December. Paul says he’s thankful to have the opportunity to play professional basketball. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times / December 19, 2011)

By T.J. Simers
From Philadelphia — You hear about someone and how impressive he is as a person, solid and all that.

It has to be just a good show for the cameras, doesn’t it? No one is too good to be true until you talk to Chris Paul.

He has it, whatever it is that allows someone to have such an impact on those around him.

It’s one thing to feel chills while watching the Clippers’ peewee guard go razzle and dazzle on everyone on the court. It’s quite another to be moved and feel what his coach and teammates have been saying all along: He’s special.

He’s talking about the national anthem when we get together for the first time. He begins each game the same way, he says, hand over heart and head bowed.

“I say a prayer — and I’ve never told anyone this before — but this is how it goes: I begin by thanking God for bringing our team here safely; their team as well.

“And I tell God, ‘I know you know already who the winner is, but I ask that you will let it be us.’

“I thank him for my entire family back home, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and I thank him for my parents, brother, wife and son.

“Then I say, ‘My Lord, I want to thank you for Papa Chili and my Grandma Rachel. I know they are in heaven smiling down on me.’ That’s how I end the prayer every time.”

Early in his career he would hold a laminated picture of his grandfather Papa Chili in his hands during the national anthem. Now it’s enough to just hold him dear in his heart.

“Most kids have a teammate who might be their best friend,” he says, “but it was my Papa. He was the first black man to open a service station in North Carolina.”

Paul worked every summer in (restul aici)

N-am crezut că va fi și o urmare! Iat-o:

T.J. SIMERS

Chris Paul comes to praise his teammates and bury the 76ers

Clippers point guard Chris Paul wants to spread the credit, but he makes the difference in victory over the 76ers at Philadelphi

Clippers guard Chris Paul is congratulated by teammates Reggie Evans, center, and Randy Foye after hitting the go-ahead basket with 3.2 seconds left in the Clippers’ 78-77 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. (Matt Slocum / Associated Press / February 10, 2012)

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