Chris Paul had hinted that this season might be his last go-around in the NBA. A video montage of his career highlights posted Saturday on social media served as an unofficial announcement that the future Hall of Fame point guard was likely done after 21 season.
Paul, who ranks second in the NBA in all-time assists, posted the video shortly before the Clippers took on the Charlotte Hornets, saying “What a ride…So much left … GRATEFUL for this last one.”
Paul played for the Hornets when they were in New Orleans and college basketball at nearby Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Paul, the fourth overall draft pick of New Orleans in 2005, has averaged 16.9 points and 9.2 assists per game over his career.
The montage traces the 12-time All-Star’s storied career with photos of his jerseys from Wake Forest, the New Orleans Hornets, the Lob City heydays with the Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and the Clippers (again), blending highlights from games along the way.
Paul, at 40 years old, is the second-oldest active NBA player behind LeBron James. On Saturday, James posted on X a picture of Paul with the caption “POINT GOD!!! Been a helluva ride” with a saluting emoji.
Paul, who signed with the Clippers during the offseason, indicated in July that this would likely be his final season, saying that he wanted to spend more time with his family.
“After being away from them for six years, it’s time to be present,” Paul said. He has reiterated that sentiment throughout the season, saying how great it’s been to watch his kids’ games.
“I just finished my 20th season, which is a blessing in itself,” Paul said over the summer, explaining that he is grateful just to have played for so long.
Paul is only one of seven players to appear in 21 NBA seasons, extending his career beyond most NBA stars.
He has been named to 11 All-NBA teams and nine All-Defensive teams. He was also voted the 2006 Rookie of the Year and to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
After starting all 82 games last season with the Spurs, Paul has seen limited minutes his season with the Clippers, playing just 13.7 points heading into Saturday’s game. While the offensive skills have declined, his leadership has been one of the intangibles he has brought to the locker room. Paul is often seen talking to the younger players, on and off the court.
Last season, Paul surpassed Jason Kidd for the second-most assists in NBA history with 12,092. He is now behind only John Stockton, the league’s all-time assist leader with 15,086.