USA - Hornets Star Paul Facing Month Out

NEW ORLEANS (NBA) - The New Orleans Hornets look set to be without Chris Paul for longer than they expected.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported on Friday on its website that Paul will be sidelined for at least four weeks with a sprained right ankle.

According to the report, Paul, who was initially expected to miss two to four games, underwent an MRI late on Thursday night.

The results of the exam revealed that the reigning Rookie of the Year sustained significant damage to the ankle, which he injured in Tuesday's 102-94 loss to the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Hornets' leading scorer, Paul suffered the injury when he landed on Seattle center Johan Petro's left foot with 1:18 remaining in the first quarter.He was carried off the court and did not return.

The news concerning Paul certainly comes at an inopportune time for the Hornets, who are already without forwards Peja Stojakovic (back) and David West (right elbow) and guard Bobby Jackson (cracked left rib).

"The injury to Chris is unfortunate, especially in light of the fact that we've been without three of our top players in Peja Stojakovic, David West and Bobby Jackson for an extended period," Hornets general manager Jeff Bower told the Times-Picayune.

"But despite our injury troubles, credit is due to coach (Byron) Scott and our players for the resiliency and toughness they've shown through this stretch."

Perhaps the league's quickest guard, Paul is averaging 18.4 points and 9.0 assists this season.He had six points and seven assists before suffering the injury in the loss at Seattle.

Selected fourth overall in 2005, Paul averaged 16.1 points, 7.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 78 games during his rookie campaign.

The 6ft guard also led the league with 175 steals.

Jannero Pargo replaced Paul at point guard in Tuesday's loss and scored a season-high 23 points.But Seattle's Luke Ridnour was able to drive past Pargo at will, scoring 27 points on
11-of-17 shooting.

Pargo started in Wednesday's 100-85 loss at Portland, scoring 16 points with six rebounds and five assists.He is averaging 9.9 points and 2.2 assists in 28 games this season.

PA Sport