If Chris Paul has played his final NBA game, his career ended with a whimper rather than the bang it deserved.
Early Wednesday, the Los Angeles Clippers announced they are “parting ways” with the 11-time All-Star, who had announced in late November that he planned to retire at season’s end.
Paul will leave the game as one of the most decorated point guards of his generation, with a direct path to Springfield, Massachusetts — and the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Here are five reasons he’s a future first-ballot Orange Jacket recipient.
1. No. 2 all-time in assists, steals
During his remarkable career, Paul has amassed 12,552 assists and 2,728 steals, both the second most in NBA history, trailing Hall of Fame Utah Jazz point guard John Stockton. From his rookie season, Paul established himself as one of the greats at his position with his ability to find teammates and lock down opposing backcourts. He filled arguably the two most important roles a point guard has as well as possible, representing the best the sport had to offer for years.
2. NBA-record six-time steals champ
The nine-time All-Defensive team member had an extended peak as arguably the NBA’s best perimeter defender, leading the league in steals six times in a seven-year span, including four consecutive seasons from 2010-11 through 2013-14. Because Paul was such a gifted passer, his defense might not be the first thing people think of when reflecting on his career. But maybe it should.
3. 12 All-Star Game appearances are tied for the most by a point guard in NBA history
Paul’s longevity has been remarkable, and nothing highlights how long he was an impact player than his 12 All-Star Game nods, tied with Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas for the most by a point guard in NBA history. He’s also been among the league’s most reliable veterans in recent years, starting all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs in 2024-25, Paul’s age-39 season, becoming the oldest player to do so since Stockton (40) in 2002-03.
4. 50 career 10-point, 10-assist playoff double-doubles
Despite never reaching the NBA’s promised land, Paul has played exceptionally during the postseason, totaling the fifth-most 10-point, 10-assist double-doubles in postseason history, via Stathead.
During the regular season, Paul has averaged 16.9 points per game on 46.9 percent shooting. Those numbers have improved in the playoffs, when Paul averaged 20 points per game while shooting 48.4 percent.
5. First player to be named All-NBA with four franchises
A mark since tied by Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant, Paul became the first player in league history to earn All-NBA honors with four teams after receiving the accolade following his first season with the Phoenix Suns in 2020-21.
Paul’s first recognition came with a first-team selection in 2007-08 with the then-New Orleans Hornets, and he followed that with three first-team selections as a member of the Clippers. Paul left his imprint wherever he went, even finishing seventh in MVP voting in his lone season with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20).
It wasn’t an accident that teams got better when adding Paul. Like the franchises he impacted, the Hall of Fame will be stronger when he arrives.