Chris Paul’s retirement this week officially closes the book on one of the most brilliant point guard careers the NBA has ever seen. But while his playing days are now behind him, the next chapter might already be taking shape - and it could lead him straight to the Dallas Mavericks’ bench.
Paul’s transition from floor general to sideline leader has felt inevitable for years. His basketball IQ is off the charts, his leadership is unquestioned, and his reputation as a mentor - especially to younger players - is well established. Now, with the Mavericks potentially eyeing changes to their coaching staff this summer, the timing for Paul to step into a coaching role might be just right.
Why Dallas Makes Sense
Let’s start with the fit. Dallas has a young star in Cooper Flagg who’s already turning heads with his offensive development, and adding a mind like Paul’s to the coaching staff could be a game-changer for his trajectory.
The two already have some history - they worked out together last summer before the draft, and Paul had nothing but praise for the highly touted forward. That kind of preexisting connection matters, especially when you’re building trust between a coach and a rising franchise cornerstone.
It’s not just about Flagg, though. The Mavericks pursued Paul last offseason when they were looking to bolster their backcourt.
He ultimately chose to sign with the Clippers, but the interest from Dallas was real. Now, with Paul stepping away from playing, the door might be open for a different kind of partnership - one that doesn’t require him to lace up his sneakers.
A Coaching Staff with Familiar Faces
There’s also the Jason Kidd factor. Kidd and Paul share a mutual respect forged from years of battling on the court.
They’ve both walked the path from elite point guard to potential sideline tactician, and there’s a symmetry to the idea of Kidd bringing Paul into the fold. Kidd knows what it takes to make that transition, and Paul could benefit from learning under someone who’s already made that leap.
For Kidd, adding a voice like Paul’s to his bench isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about bringing in someone who understands the modern game from a player’s perspective - someone who just stepped off the court and can speak the language of today’s NBA stars. That kind of relatability is rare, and it could be a major asset in the locker room and on the practice court.
The Championship Drive That Still Burns
Let’s not forget - Chris Paul is still chasing that elusive ring. He came close multiple times, but it never quite happened.
That hunger doesn’t just vanish with retirement. Coaching could offer a new path to that same goal, and while the Mavericks aren’t title favorites right now, they’re building something intriguing.
Flagg is a foundational piece. Luka Dončić is still one of the league’s premier talents.
And with the right minds in place, Dallas could be laying the groundwork for a serious run in the near future.
Paul’s presence could help solidify that foundation. He’s been a culture-setter everywhere he’s gone - from New Orleans to Phoenix - and that kind of leadership could be invaluable for a team trying to find its identity and reach the next level.
What’s Next?
There’s still a lot up in the air. There’s chatter that Kidd could be in line for a front-office role, which might complicate things. But if Kidd stays on the sidelines - and the Mavericks stay aggressive in retooling their staff - Paul makes a ton of sense as a high-upside addition.
He wouldn’t be just another assistant. He’d be a mentor, a strategist, and a bridge between generations. And for a player like Flagg, having someone like Paul in his ear every day could accelerate his development in ways few others could.
Chris Paul may be done playing, but his impact on the game is far from over. If he’s ready to take the next step, the Mavericks might just be the perfect place to start.