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Paul Absent During Summer Time Since Injury

New York (ANTARA News / Reuters) - "Point guard" All-Star New Orleans Hornets Chris Paul will miss rest of season because of ligament injury on his right middle finger, the team said Wednesday.

No need surgery on the injured Paul and schedule his return to basketball activity for about seven weeks, according to the team page (http://www.nba.com/hornets/).

"This is a very difficult season for me in terms of injuries," said Paul, who had lost time this season because of knee and ankle injuries.

"I hate not fall into the field to help my team, but the best thing to do for me is completely healthy again. I really hope to be back playing basketball in June."

Paul, a three-time All-Star NBA and "rookie" in the best league in the 2005-06 season, has an average of 18.7 points, 10.7 assists and 2.1 steals in 45 games this season.

New Orleans could not qualify for the NBA playoffs and regular season they will expire on 14 April.