Wake Forest legend Chris Paul retires after 21-year NBA run
The Point God has officially dished his final assist. After 21 illustrious seasons that redefined the modern point guard position, Chris Paul announced his retirement from the NBA on Wednesday, bringing an end to one of the most decorated careers in basketball history. The former Wake Forest standout, who entered the league as the fourth overall pick in 2005, leaves the hardwood as a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer and a standard-bearer for leadership and basketball IQ.
Paul’s departure marks the conclusion of an odyssey that saw him orchestrate offenses for some of the league's most memorable squads. From his explosive beginnings with the New Orleans Hornets, where he snatched Rookie of the Year honors, to the high-flying "Lob City" era with the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul was the engine behind perennial contenders. His journey continued through impactful stops with the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and a franchise-altering tenure with the Phoenix Suns, where he guided the team to the NBA Finals in 2021.
In his final chapters, Paul transitioned into a mentorship role, notably guiding Victor Wembanyama during a stint with the San Antonio Spurs before a brief, poetic return to the Clippers organization for the 2025-26 campaign. Despite moving teams frequently in his twilight years, his production remained historically significant. Paul retires ranking second all-time in both career assists and steals, trailing only the legendary John Stockton in both categories—a testament to his two-way brilliance and longevity.
While the elusive NBA championship ring never materialized, Paul’s legacy is secure as one of the greatest floor generals to ever lace them up. A 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection, he mastered the mid-range jumper and the pick-and-roll with surgical precision. His influence extends beyond the box score, having served as the president of the NBPA and setting a blueprint for professionalism. As the league waves goodbye to the ultimate competitor, the game will forever bear the fingerprints of the Point God.
Paul’s departure marks the conclusion of an odyssey that saw him orchestrate offenses for some of the league's most memorable squads. From his explosive beginnings with the New Orleans Hornets, where he snatched Rookie of the Year honors, to the high-flying "Lob City" era with the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul was the engine behind perennial contenders. His journey continued through impactful stops with the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and a franchise-altering tenure with the Phoenix Suns, where he guided the team to the NBA Finals in 2021.
In his final chapters, Paul transitioned into a mentorship role, notably guiding Victor Wembanyama during a stint with the San Antonio Spurs before a brief, poetic return to the Clippers organization for the 2025-26 campaign. Despite moving teams frequently in his twilight years, his production remained historically significant. Paul retires ranking second all-time in both career assists and steals, trailing only the legendary John Stockton in both categories—a testament to his two-way brilliance and longevity.
While the elusive NBA championship ring never materialized, Paul’s legacy is secure as one of the greatest floor generals to ever lace them up. A 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection, he mastered the mid-range jumper and the pick-and-roll with surgical precision. His influence extends beyond the box score, having served as the president of the NBPA and setting a blueprint for professionalism. As the league waves goodbye to the ultimate competitor, the game will forever bear the fingerprints of the Point God.
