Chris Paul officially announced his retirement on Friday February 13, concluding a 21-year NBA career highlighted by 12 All-Star selections, two Olympic gold medals, and membership on the league’s 75th Anniversary Team.
The 40-year-old point guard ended his career after brief stints with the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors, having been waived by Toronto before appearing in a game.
Stephen Curry shared a video message to Paul at an amusement park, praising his career and time spent playing alongside him.
“Hey CP, just want to say congratulations man an unbelievable career. 21 amazing years a lot of battles against you but great year playing with you so enjoy retirement I know i’m gonna see out on that golf course and everywhere but congratulations beyond well deserved,” Curry said in the message shared by the Golden State Warriors.
Paul retired second all-time in assists with 12,552 and became the first player in league history to record over 20,000 points and 10,000 assists, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s elite playmakers.
Throughout his career, he played for multiple teams, including the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and New Orleans Pelicans.
Despite never capturing an NBA title, Paul’s impact as a leader and floor general, as well as his tenure as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021, secured his status as a future Hall of Famer.
In his final season, Paul appeared in only 16 games with the Clippers, averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per contest while managing injuries and team transitions.
