Name: Chris Paul
Title: Point guard, Clippers
Age: 29
Paul’s status as an eight-time All-Star is just where his influence begins. One of the most respected players in the NBA parlayed his lofty status into a position as the current president of the NBA Players Association. On the court, the beginning of the Clippers’ best three-year run in the 45-year franchise history coincides with Paul’s acquisition via trade in 2011. Paul’s visibility includes replacing LeBron James in State Farm’s national ad campaign and image-enhancing endorsement deals with Nike, Avon and Foot Locker, among others.