Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paulone of the greatest point guards in NBA history, plans to retire after the 2025/26 season, according to ESPN. Paul hinted at the decision in a social media post Saturday before his final game in his home state of North Carolina, when the Clippers face Charlotte Hornets.
Paul, 40, was drafted fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 tournament. NBA Draft from Wake Forest and made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year honors. During his 21-year career, he was a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection and nine-time All-Defensive Team honoree, earning recognition as one of the NBA's 75 Greatest Players.
Chris Paul will retire without a ring, but his career proves that he was one of the NBA's greatest winners.
Sam Quinn
Known for his leadership, playmaking and defense, Paul has career averages of 16.9 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 46.9% from the field and 36.9% from 3-point range.
Before joining the Clippers, Paul played for the team. Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors And San Antonio Spursconsistently improving every team he joined. He ranks second all-time in assists (12,532) and steals (2,727), and has led the league in assists five times and steals six times. Despite his longevity and consistency, championships eluded Paul, a fact often brought up in discussions of his Hall of Fame credentials.
The Clippers are 4-11 this season, having lost three games in a row and are currently a game out of 10th place in the play-in tournament. Paul has appeared in 10 games this season, averaging 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 13.7 minutes off the bench, providing veteran leadership. Los Angeles is going through a difficult period.
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Jack Maloney
Paul also ranks sixth all-time in games played without appearing in the NBA Finals, a list he'll likely top by the end of his final season.
Most career games played without an NBA title.
|
Name |
Career games |
|
Vince Carter |
1541 |
|
John Stockton |
1504 |
|
Karl Malone |
1476 |
|
Reggie Miller |
1389 |
|
Clifford Robinson |
1380 |
|
Chris Paul |
1364 |
Even though he failed to become a champion, he is considered a lock to one day be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
From his early days as New Orleans' Rookie of the Year to his stints with the Clippers and leadership roles with several playoff teams, Paul's career has been one of resilience and consistency. Off the court, he also served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021, helping shape labor negotiations, advocating for social justice and representing player interests. His legacy goes far beyond statistics and leaves an indelible mark on the NBA and the game itself.
