Editor’s notice: This story was initially revealed Nov. 22.
If Chris Paul has performed his last NBA sport, his profession ended with a whimper fairly than the bang it deserved.
Early Wednesday, the Los Angeles Clippers launched the 11-time All-Star, who had introduced in late November that he deliberate to retire at season’s end.
Paul will go away the sport as some of the embellished level guards of his era, with a direct path to Springfield, Massachusetts — and the Basketball Corridor of Fame.
Listed here are 5 causes he’s a future first-ballot Orange Jacket recipient.
1. No. 2 all-time in assists, steals
Throughout his exceptional profession, Paul has amassed 12,552 assists and a couple of,728 steals, each the second most in NBA historical past, trailing Corridor of Fame Utah Jazz level guard John Stockton. From his rookie season, Paul established himself as one of many greats at his place together with his potential to seek out teammates and lock down opposing backcourts. He crammed arguably the 2 most vital roles a degree guard has in addition to doable, representing the very best the game needed to supply for years.
2. NBA-record six-time steals champ
The nine-time All-Defensive workforce member had an extended peak as arguably the NBA’s finest perimeter defender, main the league in steals six instances in a seven-year span, together with 4 consecutive seasons from 2010-11 by way of 2013-14. As a result of Paul was such a gifted passer, his protection may not be the very first thing folks consider when reflecting on his profession. However possibly it ought to.
3. 12 All-Star Recreation appearances are tied for essentially the most by a degree guard in NBA historical past
Paul’s longevity has been exceptional, and nothing highlights how lengthy he was an influence participant than his 12 All-Star Recreation nods, tied with Corridor of Famer Isiah Thomas for essentially the most by a degree guard in NBA historical past. He is additionally been among the many league’s most dependable veterans in recent times, beginning all 82 video games for the San Antonio Spurs in 2024-25, Paul’s age-39 season, changing into the oldest participant to take action since Stockton (40) in 2002-03.
4. 50 profession 10-point, 10-assist playoff double-doubles
Regardless of by no means reaching the NBA’s promised land, Paul has performed exceptionally in the course of the postseason, totaling the fifth-most 10-point, 10-assist double-doubles in postseason historical past, through Stathead.
Throughout the common season, Paul has averaged 16.9 factors per sport on 46.9 % capturing. These numbers have improved within the playoffs, when Paul averaged 20 factors per sport whereas capturing 48.4 %.
5. First participant to be named All-NBA with 4 franchises
A mark since tied by Houston Rockets ahead Kevin Durant, Paul turned the primary participant in league historical past to earn All-NBA honors with 4 groups after receiving the accolade following his first season with the Phoenix Suns in 2020-21.
Paul’s first recognition got here with a first-team choice in 2007-08 with the then-New Orleans Hornets, and he adopted that with three first-team picks as a member of the Clippers. Paul left his imprint wherever he went, even ending seventh in MVP voting in his lone season with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (2019-20).
It wasn’t an accident that groups bought higher when including Paul. Just like the franchises he impacted, the Corridor of Fame will probably be stronger when he arrives.
