Chris Paul, the legendary Point God, has announced his retirement after a dramatic turn of events. The Toronto Raptors waived him shortly after trading for him from the Los Angeles Clippers, cutting short his planned farewell season. This 40-year-old Winston-Salem native had returned to the Clippers hoping for a storybook ending. However, tensions with coach Tyronn Lue led to an early December split, followed by a salary-dump trade. In turn, Raptors released him without a single game.
Paul poured his heart into a statement shared publicly. “This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” he wrote. He continued, “Mostly I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude! Basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life.” Despite no NBA title—though he reached the 2021 Finals with Phoenix Suns, his legacy shines through 12 All-Star selections and two Olympic golds from 2008 and 2012.
Chris Paul Career Stats: All-Time Assists King Milestones
Paul retires holding the second-most assists in NBA history with 12,552. Remarkably, he became the first player to combine 20,000 points and 10,000 assists, cementing his status as an elite floor general. Over 1,370 games, he suited up for teams including New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs. Those efforts yielded 23,058 points, 6,006 rebounds, and 2,728 steals.
Beyond stats, Paul served as National Basketball Players Association president from 2013 to 2021, shaping league policies. He also earned spots on the 75th Anniversary Team. Therefore, his 21-season career guarantees Hall of Fame entry.
Stephen Curry Tribute: NBA Stars Honor Point God
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry honored Paul with a touching video message. In it, Curry celebrated their 21-year rivalry and the 2023-24 season they shared as teammates. “Congratulations man, an unbelievable career… enjoy retirement, beyond well deserved,” he said from an amusement park. This heartfelt nod highlights the deep respect Paul commands among peers. Ultimately, it bridges fierce on-court battles with lasting camaraderie.
Chris Paul Roots: Winston-Salem NBA Icon to Wake Forest Legend
From Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Chris Paul built his empire on West Forsyth High School courts and at Wake Forest University. There, he dazzled fans before leaping to NBA stardom. Later, his Clippers reunion stirred memories of his 2011-2017 prime. Regrettably, trades and waivers overshadowed that homecoming.
NBA Legends Final Seasons: Statistical Comparison Table
Paul’s quiet exit parallels other icons’ final chapters, marked by shrinking roles and transitions. The table below contrasts their last-season stats for clarity.
| Player | Age | Team(s) Final Season | Games Played | PPG | APG | RPG | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Paul | 40 | Clippers/Raptors | 16 | 2.9 | 3.3 | N/A | Waived post-trade, abrupt retirement |
| Vince Carter | 43 | Hawks | 60 | 5.0 | 0.8 | 2.1 | Gradual fade, ceremonial farewell |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 42 | Lakers | 74 | 10.1 | 1.0 | 4.5 | Bench role, won title prior year |
| Kevin Garnett | 40 | Timberwolves | 54 | 5.1 | 1.6 | 6.7 | Returned home, injury-plagued end |
Such data reveals a common trend: 40-plus stars see output drop sharply. Even so, Paul’s assists dominance endures.
Fan Reactions Chris Paul: NBA Retirement Emotional Impact
Fans around the world lament Paul’s sudden departure, flooding social media with praise for his intensity and leadership. Many hail his ringless path as motivation, emphasizing assists records and guidance over trophies. His Wake Forest heritage and NC roots amplify the sentiment. One supporter noted basketball flows through his veins, promising impact via camps and commentary. As a result, the Point God lives on. Meanwhile, this moment fuels talks on honoring veterans better in today’s speedy NBA.
