Could this be the year of Chris Paul?

After several seasons toiling with mediocre to average New Orleans Hornets squads, Paul has found the national mark with the Los Angeles Clippers and is leading them to the top of the NBA. CP3 has vaulted into the category of being one of the most indispensable superstars in the league.

And today, CP3 goes one step further. He manages to get his face on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue by teaming up with a beautiful supermodel. Bar Refaeli was the cover model in 2009, and this year she was teaming up with the boys, including Paul, Rafael Nadal and Michael Phelps.

We've all heard of the SI Cover Jinx, but there doesn't seem to be an extension that leads to the SI Swimsuit Cover Jinx!

There are ten photos overall in this spread, and you can view all of them by clicking here. See more of CP3 at the SI Swimsuit Issue 2012.

To talk about Paul and the Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation.