Los Angeles Clippers star Chris Paul has been named the next president of the NBA Players Association.

Paul will look to use his four years of experience as Vice President of the NBAPA to help steer things in the right direction after a period of instability within the association.

Former president Derek Fisher had been embroiled in a dramatic controversy that led to the firing of executive director Billy Fisher halfway through last season.

"It's an unbelievable opportunity, a lot of responsibility comes with this position but I'm very fortunate to have an outstanding of committee guys," Paul said in a conference call with The Associated Press. "The past couple of days have been outstanding, the dialogue we've had as an executive committee also with the players that have come in town, it was amazing."

Paul's status as one of the sport's most prominent icons holds significance in the association's decision to promote him to the top; LeBron James was contemplating a run to become president but eventually backed out in order to maintian his focus on basketball. In a phone interview with the Star-Telegram, Charlotte Bobcats forward Anthony Tolliver spoke of the importance of having a player such as Paul leading the way.

"That wasn't a requirement, but I think it gives us a little more oomph, I guess, having somebody like him wanting to step up and take on that role," Tolliver said.

Many of the issues surrounding the players association have stemmed from the residual effect of the 2011 lockout. The controversy involving Fisher was about whether he secretly worked with NBA referees during the lockout.

"For us, it's all about getting our house in order and making sure that everything moves right in that direction," Paul said.