NBA Star Chris Paul to Retire After 21-Year Career

One of the greatest point guards in NBA history, Chris Paul, is set to hang up his jersey after a 21-year career. The 40-year-old veteran hinted at his retirement in a social media post prior to the Los Angeles Clippers’ game against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.

“Back in NC!!! What a ride…Still so much left…GRATEFUL for this last one!!” Paul expressed in his post, making it a special game in his home state, North Carolina.

Coach Tyronn Lue: “It’s a tough time…

Speaking before the game, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue reflected on Paul’s impending retirement: “It’s a tough time, especially when you put so much work in your life to play this game. When it’s over and coming to an end, for me it was dark days because it’s something you have done your whole life.” However, Lue was happy for Paul to end his career in his hometown.

Paul’s Impressive Basketball Résumé

• 12-time NBA All-Star
• 11-time All-NBA selection
• 9-time All-Defensive selection
• Five-time assist and six-time steals champion
• Named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team

Paul, drafted fourth overall in 2005 by the New Orleans Hornets, leaves behind an impressive legacy. He is the only player remaining from his draft class and became a sure-fire Hall of Famer with his long and storied career, including a 2021 NBA Finals appearance with the Phoenix Suns.

A Championship Eludes Paul

Despite his immense success, a championship title has eluded Paul. The closest he came was in 2021 when his Suns lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals. Paul sits second all-time in career assists and career steals, behind only John Stockton.