Report: Paul Is Rookie of Year

New Orleans Hornet point guard Chris Paul, who led all first-year players in points, assists and steals, will be named the NBA’s rookie of the year.

A league source told the Associated Press of Paul’s award Monday on condition of anonymity because the official announcement is scheduled for Wednesday.

Paul, drafted fourth out of Wake Forest in the 2005 NBA draft, ranked first in points (16.1), assists (7.8), steals (2.2), double-doubles (21), minutes played (36.4) and triple doubles (two) by rookies.

With Paul running the team, the Hornets improved from 18 wins last season to 38 this season.

Meanwhile, Hornet owner George Shinn said the team planned to honor its lease at the New Orleans Arena despite the city making discouragingly slow progress toward showing it can support the Hornets.

The Hornets, who played most of their home games in Oklahoma City this season, will again play 35 games in that city next season.

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Detroit Piston center Ben Wallace became the first player to win the defensive-player-of-the-year award four times in a five-year span.

With 58 of 124 first-place votes, Wallace beat out San Antonio’s Bruce Bowen and Utah’s Andrei Kirilenko for his ability to defend players ranging from Shaquille O’Neal to LeBron James.