Chris Paul Calls It a Career: A Legendary 21-Year Run Comes to a Close
The curtain has officially closed on one of the most decorated careers in NBA history. Chris Paul - the “Point God,” a 12-time All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and one of the greatest floor generals the game has ever seen - announced his retirement on Friday, ending a remarkable 21-season journey that spanned eras, franchises, and generations of basketball fans.
Paul made the announcement on the opening day of NBA All-Star weekend in Inglewood, California, the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers - fitting, considering how much of his legacy is tied to that franchise. His final season was a short one, wrapping up in December after a brief return to L.A.
He was later traded to Toronto, a move that made headlines but never meant hardwood action. The Raptors knew he wouldn’t suit up, and fans were left wondering if Paul might make one last push for the elusive NBA title that’s always just slipped out of reach.
Instead, Paul gave a definitive answer: he’s done. And this time, it’s not about chasing rings - it’s about being present for his family. After years of missing time with his children due to the relentless grind of the NBA calendar, Paul is turning the page.
“It’s time for me to show up for others and in other ways,” he shared in a heartfelt social media post.
That message echoed sentiments he’d hinted at earlier this season - that this year might be his last. And now, it’s official.
A Career Etched in the Record Books
Paul’s résumé reads like a Hall of Fame induction speech - and that day is coming soon. He was a four-time All-NBA First Team selection, and his name is all over the league’s all-time leaderboards. He retires second in NBA history in both assists (12,552) and steals (2,728), a testament to his vision, timing, and defensive instincts that never waned, even as the league evolved around him.
He was also the first player in NBA history to notch at least 20,000 points and 10,000 assists - a club that now includes LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, but Paul was the trailblazer. That blend of scoring and playmaking defined his game. He could take over when needed, but more often, he elevated everyone around him.
The Clippers Era: Where the Legend Took Flight
While Paul had impactful stints in New Orleans, Houston, Oklahoma City, and Phoenix, it was his six-year run with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017 that cemented his place as a franchise cornerstone. He led the team to six straight winning seasons, their first two Pacific Division titles, and three playoff series wins. In a city dominated by the Lakers, Paul helped give the Clippers a real identity - and a swagger they hadn’t had before.
When he returned to the Clippers last July as a free agent, it was a homecoming of sorts. But the reunion was short-lived. His final game came on December 1, and as it turns out, that was the last time we saw Chris Paul in an NBA uniform.
A Legacy Bigger Than Basketball
Paul’s influence stretches well beyond the box score. He’s long been one of the league’s most respected voices - a former president of the National Basketball Players Association and a leader on and off the court. His professionalism, competitiveness, and basketball IQ made him a coach’s dream and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
He’s also already a Hall of Famer - technically. The 2008 Olympic “Redeem Team,” which Paul was a key part of, was inducted into the Hall as part of the 2025 class.
But his individual induction is just a matter of time. And when that day comes, it’ll be a celebration of not just what he did, but how he did it - with poise, precision, and a relentless drive to win.
Paul summed it up best himself: “While this chapter of being an ‘NBA player’ is done, the game of basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life, spanning three decades. It’s crazy even saying that!!
Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility. I embraced it all.”
And he truly did. From Wake Forest to the NBA’s brightest stages, Chris Paul left everything on the court.
The title may have eluded him, but make no mistake - his legacy is secure. One of the greatest point guards to ever do it has officially logged off.