July 6, 2005

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The New Orleans Hornets signed first-round draft pick Chris Paul on Wednesday to a three-year contract.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Paul, the fourth overall pick, averaged 15.3 points and 6.6 assists for Wake Forest last year. The guard is expected to see significant playing time in the Hornets backcourt this season along with second-year shooting guard J.R. Smith.