CHICAGO -- Chris Paul figures to be busy in the near future as the point guard for the Houston Rockets, the Western Conference's No. 1 seed in the NBA playoffs.
But when the basketball season comes to an end, the nine-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist will get a first-hand look at the White Sox rebuild after becoming a part of the Dash's ownership group as announced Tuesday. Born in Winston-Salem, N.C., Paul graduated from West Forsyth High School in nearby Clemmons, N.C., and attended Wake Forest University.
C.J. Johnson, president of the Winston-Salem Dash, spoke to media earlier Tuesday at BB&T Ballpark and revealed that a new owner with strong roots in the community had joined the Dash family, according to a story from the Dash. A brief video then played on the center-field videoboard with Paul expressing his excitement regarding his involvement with his hometown team.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to become involved with a successful organization that has a positive impact on the community," Paul said. "What could be more fun than being part owner of a Minor League baseball team in your hometown?"
Following the video, Johnson was joined by longtime Dash chairman and managing partner Billy Prim and Paul's parents, Charles and Robin Paul.
"We are thrilled to welcome Chris Paul into the Winston-Salem Dash ownership group," said Prim. "He has used his incredible success on the basketball court as a platform to create the CP3 Foundation, and has done amazing work in our community. Our organizational goals of providing affordable family entertainment align perfectly with the objectives of the CP3 Foundation."
The Dash features top White Sox prospects such as right-handed pitchers Dylan Cease and Dane Dunning, first baseman Gavin Sheets and outfielders Blake Rutherford, Luis Alexander Basabe, Micker Adolfo and Luis Robert when he returns from a thumb injury. They are also managed by Omar Vizquel.
They have a record of 2-3 through five games. Their first home game of the 2018 regular season is on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET against the Carolina Mudcats.