Chris Paul, the “Point God” whose meticulous command of the basketball court defined a generation of NBA play, announced Saturday that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Paul, 40, broke the news on social media shortly before his Los Angeles Clippers were set to tip off against the Charlotte Hornets in his home state of North Carolina.
“What a ride… Still so much left… GRATEFUL for this last one!!” Paul wrote on Instagram, sharing a reel of career highlights.
The announcement signals the approaching end for one of the most decorated resumes in basketball history. Currently in his 21st season, Paul’s decision comes as he transitions into a mentorship role during his second stint with the Clippers, the franchise he once transformed into “Lob City.”
A Statistical Giant
When Paul hangs up his jersey, he will likely stand second only to John Stockton on the NBA’s all-time lists for both assists and steals, a testament to his longevity and two-way dominance.
Over two decades, Paul re-established the value of the “pure” point guard. He orchestrated offenses for the New Orleans Hornets, Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs.
His trophy case features:
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12 All-Star Selections
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11 All-NBA Team selections (4 First Team)
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9 All-Defensive Team selections
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5 Assist Titles and 6 Steal Titles
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2006 Rookie of the Year
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A spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
The Legacy of the “Point God”
Paul’s legacy is defined by his ability to elevate every franchise he touched. He turned the then-New Orleans Hornets into contenders, led the Clippers to their most relevant era, and guided a young Phoenix Suns team to the NBA Finals in 2021.
“I don’t know where he ranks all-time among PGs, but it’s very high on the list,” said NBA analyst Keith Smith following the announcement.
Debates regarding Paul’s standing among the all-time greats often center on his lack of an NBA championship. Critics point to the 2021 Finals loss and various playoff injuries, including a pivotal hamstring strain with the Rockets in the 2018 Western Conference Finals.
However, supporters argue his statistical dominance and leadership place him firmly in the top tier of point guards, often ranking him alongside Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Stockton, and Stephen Curry. Paul remains the only player in NBA history to amass 20,000 points and 12,000 assists.
The Final Chapter
Paul returned to the Clippers this season after a one-year stint mentoring Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. While his on-court production has dipped to career lows in limited minutes, his influence in the locker room remains a focal point for the organization.
He will finish his career where it began—statistically, as a giant, and geographically, with a final farewell tour that started Saturday in the state where he became a high school and college legend at Wake Forest.
