Hornets point guard Chris Paul could return to the court within 7 to 10 days.

He was medically cleared to begin running on Friday after New Orleans originally projected that the All-Star would miss four to six weeks following knee surgery on Feb. 4.

Paul has missed 20 straight games.

"It will be the regular transition from half-speed to three-quarters to full speed before he returns," general manager/coach Jeff Bower said. "We're optimistic."