Two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith is encouraging Chris Paul to transition into coaching following his retirement from the NBA, citing the point guard’s leadership and basketball IQ. “Chris Paul is one of the greatest point guards to ever play,” Smith told TMZ Sports during All-Star Weekend, noting that Paul has the experience and knowledge to succeed on the sidelines.
Paul, 40, officially retired on February 13 after a 21-season career that included stints with eight NBA teams, concluding with the Los Angeles Clippers. The announcement came shortly after the Toronto Raptors waived him following a three-team trade from the Clippers, marking the end of a Hall of Fame-caliber journey.
Smith emphasized Paul’s readiness for a coaching role, comparing his potential path to that of Jason Kidd. “You better coach, Chris! You better coach a team! You can do exactly what Jason Kidd did: leave a plan and the next year be a head coach somewhere,” Smith said, highlighting Paul’s basketball acumen.
During his career, Paul amassed 23,058 points, 12,552 assists, and 2,728 steals, ranking second all-time in assists. He was a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection, and a nine-time All-Defensive Team member, earning a place on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team and two Olympic gold medals.
Paul’s leadership extended off the court as well, serving as President of the National Basketball Players Association. He became the first player in NBA history to reach 20,000 points and 10,000 assists, cementing his legacy as one of the most complete point guards in league history.
The 2025–26 season had a turbulent ending for Paul, who played 16 games before a reported rift with Clippers’ coaching staff and subsequent trade led to his release by the Raptors.
