All good things must come to an end — even for a player whose career has defined an era. Former Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul stunned the basketball world on Saturday by announcing his retirement after the 2025-26 season, marking the conclusion of a 21-year-long NBA career filled with milestones, accolades, and unforgettable moments.
Paul, 40, confirmed the news in a social media post early Saturday morning, saying:
“What a ride… Still so much left… GRATEFUL for this last one!!”
The timing of the announcement has fans buzzing: it comes after a miserable start to the season, during which Paul is averaging a career-low 2.5 points and 3.3 assists per game in his second stint with the Clippers. While the numbers might have dipped, the legacy of one of the game’s most accomplished floor generals remains untouchable.
From his early days with the Charlotte Hornets, where he was 2006 Rookie of the Year, to becoming a cornerstone of the ‘Lob City’ Clippers alongside DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin, Paul’s career has spanned over two decades of basketball history. He helped revolutionize pick-and-roll play, set the tempo for elite backcourts, and turned highlight reels into must-watch moments every season.
Paul’s resume is staggering:
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12-time NBA All-Star
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11-time All-NBA team member
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Nine-time All-Defensive team selection
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Listed among the NBA’s 75 greatest players of all time
Yet, despite his individual brilliance, an NBA championship title eluded him. His time with the Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, Spurs, and finally back with the Clippers saw him elevate every team he joined — even if the elusive ring remained out of reach.
Paul’s single season with the Warriors had him paired with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, averaging 9.2 points and 6.8 assists, providing veteran leadership and floor vision to the dynamic backcourt. But it was during his first six years with the Clippers that Paul became a household name, orchestrating some of the most electrifying plays of the decade and earning the admiration of fans nationwide.
Despite the ups and downs, his presence on any roster elevated the game. “He’s a Hall of Fame talent, one of the greatest point guards the league has ever seen,” a Clippers insider noted. “Stats don’t tell the full story — his leadership, basketball IQ, and impact on the game are monumental.”
Returning to his home state of North Carolina as the Clippers prepare to face the Hornets, Paul’s retirement feels both inevitable and emotional. While the career-low numbers may have signaled the twilight of his playing days, they do nothing to diminish the indelible mark Paul leaves on the sport.
Fans, teammates, and analysts alike are reflecting on a career that reshaped expectations for NBA guards. From orchestrating alley-oops to mentoring rising stars, Paul has consistently been a blueprint for professionalism, skill, and dedication.
As the NBA community prepares to bid farewell, one thing is clear: Chris Paul is more than a player — he’s a generational talent, a Hall of Famer, and one of the greatest floor generals the league has ever seen.
The 2025-26 season will not just mark the end of a playing career. It will close the chapter on an era defined by precision passing, relentless drive, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
And while the numbers on the stat sheet may dwindle, the legacy of Chris Paul will echo in arenas and highlight reels for decades to come.
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