Monday Afternoon Point Guard: Player of the Week

Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

The view is nice up here, y'all. (Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

The most valuable player runner-up after leading the New Orleans Hornets to the second-best record in the Southwest Division last season, Chris Paul is looking like a man who won't settle for second place at anything this season. Paul has recorded a double-double in his first three games, averaging 21.7 points and 12 assists in wins over Golden State, Phoenix and Cleveland.

Paul made a decisive, driving layup with 19.3 seconds remaining in the season opening, 108-103 win against the Warriors, continued his success against Suns point guard Steve Nash with a near triple-double (20 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds) in a 108-95 win in Phoenix, then he beat good buddy LeBron James on Saturday.

Others in consideration: Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks; Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors; Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers; Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz.