Chris Paul, the esteemed Los Angeles Clippers guard and one of the NBA’s all-time great point guards, has announced plans to retire following the 2025-26 season, as reported by ESPN. The 40-year-old hinted at his decision via a social media post just before the Clippers’ final game against the Charlotte Hornets in North Carolina, his home state.
Paul was the fourth pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets after his standout college career at Wake Forest, quickly making a mark by winning Rookie of the Year. Over his 21-year career, he has been selected as an All-Star 12 times, earned 11 All-NBA Team nods, appeared on the All-Defensive Team nine times, and is recognized among the NBA’s 75 Greatest Players.
Known for his exceptional leadership, playmaking skills, and defensive prowess, Paul boasts career averages of 16.9 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 46.9% from the field and 36.9% from beyond the arc. Before joining the Clippers, Paul elevated the play of teams like the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs. He ranks second all-time in both assists (12,532) and steals (2,727), having led the league in assists five times and steals six times. Despite his tremendous impact and enduring success, a championship title has eluded him, a key topic in conversations about his potential Hall of Fame induction.
This season, the Clippers hold a 4-11 record and face challenges including a three-game losing streak, currently positioned just outside the top 10 for the play-in tournament. Paul has appeared in 10 games, playing a reduced role off the bench but contributing veteran leadership with averages of 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.0 steal in 13.7 minutes per game.
Paul is also notable for ranking sixth all-time in games played without an NBA Finals appearance, a list he is expected to climb by the end of his career. Though he never captured a championship, he is widely expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Beyond his on-court achievements, Paul served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021, influencing labor negotiations, promoting social justice, and advocating for players’ rights. His legacy stretches well beyond his statistics, leaving a lasting influence on the league and the sport of basketball.
Fan Take: Chris Paul’s retirement signals the end of an era for one of basketball’s most skilled and influential point guards. His journey underscores the importance of leadership and impact beyond championships, reminding fans that greatness in basketball is measured by more than just rings.
