Chris Paul has announced his retirement from basketball at age 40, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-season NBA career. Widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in league history, Paul was a 12-time NBA All-Star and the 2006 Rookie of the Year. In an Instagram post, he confirmed his decision, writing, “This is it! After 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” adding that he feels “so much joy and gratitude” as he closes the chapter on his playing career.
Nicknamed the “Point of God,” Paul averaged 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and two steals per game across 1,370 career contests. He ranks second in NBA history in both assists with 12,552 and steals with 2,728, underscoring his consistency and elite playmaking ability.
Chris Paul Retires At 40 After Illustrious 21 Season NBA Career As Elite Point Guard1Veteran Point Guard Chris Paul Concludes Storied Career Without NBA Championship Title
Paul began his career with the New Orleans Hornets in 2005 and later played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors. His career effectively concluded following a second stint with the Clippers, who traded him to Toronto earlier this month. He had not played since 1 December.
Although Paul never won an NBA championship, he came closest in 2021 when the Phoenix Suns reached the NBA Finals but fell to the Milwaukee Bucks. Internationally, he enjoyed success with Team USA, winning Olympic gold medals in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.
After more than half his life spent in the NBA, Paul leaves the game as one of its most accomplished and respected leaders.
