Chris Paul Announces Retirement After 21 NBA Seasons
LOS ANGELES – Chris Paul, the celebrated point guard widely considered the best of his generation, will retire at the end of the current NBA season, bringing a close to a remarkable 21-year career. Paul shared the news Saturday morning on social media while with the Los Angeles Clippers, his current team, in his home state of North Carolina to face the Charlotte Hornets, expressing gratitude for “this last one.”
The announcement,confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania and other sources,marks the end of an era for one of basketball’s most impactful players. Paul’s departure will leave a void defined by his remarkable court vision, leadership, and longevity. He is a guaranteed first-ballot Hall of Famer, having consistently elevated the play of his teammates and redefined the point guard position.
A 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection, Paul also earned nine all-Defensive Team honors and led the league in assists five times and steals six times.He was named the 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year and is a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. Throughout his career,Paul averaged 16.9 points and 9.2 assists per game, while shooting 36.9% from three-point range.
While statistically strong during his time with the Hornets, Paul’s most dynamic play came during his tenure with the Clippers from 2011-2017, forming the high-octane “Lob City” alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Those Clippers teams consistently achieved 50+ win seasons and became perennial playoff contenders, though ultimately fell short of championship contention due to injuries and postseason struggles.
Paul’s basketball IQ and dedication to the game allowed him to remain a productive force late into his career, notably leading the Phoenix suns to the 2021 NBA Finals at age 35.his influence extends beyond his on-court performance, with numerous players citing his mentorship as pivotal to their development.
“give my credit to Chris Paul, man,” said former teammate Deandre Ayton. “Chris Paul definitely taught me the short man role, and that high-level basketball as [the Suns] went straight to the finals with him, his first time with us.”
This season saw Paul return to the Clippers in a reduced role, primarily coming off the bench and frequently receiving “Did Not Play” designations. Despite the changing circumstances, his decision to play one final season allows for a proper farewell to a player who has left an indelible mark on the NBA. Paul will be celebrated throughout the remainder of the season before his anticipated enshrinement in Springfield, massachusetts.
