Future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul has officially called time on one of the most accomplished careers in NBA history. The veteran guard announced his retirement on social media shortly after being waived following a trade to the Toronto Raptors, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-season journey across multiple franchises.
“This is it! After 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball. As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel… but mostly I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude! While this chapter of being an ‘NBA player’ is done, the game of basketball will forever be ingrained in the DNA of my life.
Toronto had acquired Paul in a late-season deal but never expected him to suit up, instead exploring potential trade options before ultimately releasing him. The guard had not played since early December after parting ways with the Los Angeles Clippers during a difficult start to the season.
Though his final year featured limited production – 2.9 points, 3.3 assists and 1.8 rebounds in 16 appearances – the numbers hardly reflect the impact of one of basketball’s greatest floor generals.
A career defined by leadership, records and longevity for Chris Paul
Selected fourth overall in the 2005 NBA Draft out of Wake Forest, Paul quickly built a reputation as one of the smartest and most complete point guards ever. Over two decades, he played for New Orleans, Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Golden State, San Antonio, the Clippers and briefly Toronto.
His résumé speaks for itself:
12-time NBA All-Star
11 All-NBA selections
9 All-Defensive Team honors
5 assists titles
Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Two Olympic gold medals
Paul averaged 16.8 points and 9.2 assists across 1,370 regular-season games and added 149 playoff appearances. He also joined an exclusive statistical club, becoming one of only two players – alongside LeBron James – to surpass both 20,000 career points and 10,000 assists. Only Hall of Famer John Stockton recorded more assists in league history.
His longevity was equally remarkable. Paul became just the 11th player to reach 20 seasons, and late in his career he even logged an 82-game season as a starter – a rare feat for a player in his late 30s.
Despite the accolades, one prize eluded him: an NBA championship. His closest opportunity came in 2021, when the Phoenix Suns fell in the Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Still, Paul’s influence went beyond rings. Coaches and teammates consistently praised his leadership, court vision and defensive instincts – traits that helped reshape every team he joined.
As he steps away from competition, Paul leaves behind a legacy defined by precision, durability and basketball intelligence. Championships often define greatness, but for Chris Paul, mastery of the point guard position ensured his place among the sport’s all-time elite.
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