Chris Paul, regarded as one of the top 35 players in NBA history, has announced his retirement following a 21-season career. Earlier this month, Paul was traded from the LA Clippers to the Toronto Raptors but was subsequently waived by the Raptors, leading to his decision to step away from professional basketball. This announcement, shared on social media, has drawn heartfelt reactions from across the NBA, including from Klay Thompson, who played alongside Paul during the 2023-24 season with the Golden State Warriors.
Thompson expressed his admiration for Paul, writing,
Point god ! It was a pleasure being your teammate. Congrats on a legendary run my man !
Career, Stats, and Legacy of Chris Paul
Throughout his extensive career, Chris Paul played for several teams, including the New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, and Oklahoma City Thunder. In his final season with the Clippers, Paul’s playing time was limited, averaging 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 32.1% shooting from the field.
Despite those recent statistics, Paul’s overall contributions to the game remain remarkable. According to statistics compiled by StatMuse, Paul ranks among all-time great point guards with the following career totals:
- 4th in all-time points
- 5th in rebounds
- 2nd in assists
- 2nd in steals
- 6th in three-pointers made
- 2nd in double-doubles
These achievements underscore Paul’s status as a legendary guard. Beyond raw numbers, from 2007 to 2017, Paul averaged an impressive 19.1 points, 10.2 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. During that decade, he finished in the top 10 for MVP voting seven times, earned All-Defensive Team honors nine times, and led the league in steals a record six times, highlighting his defensive excellence and consistent elite performance.
Thompson’s Career and Current Performance
Klay Thompson, meanwhile, spent the first 13 years of his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors before joining the Dallas Mavericks two seasons ago. Currently, Thompson is averaging 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 49 games, shooting 38.8% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. Thompson’s current play reflects his ongoing determination to contribute at a high level despite the competitive challenges of the present NBA landscape.
The Importance of Paul’s Retirement Announcement and NBA Impact
Chris Paul’s retirement marks the end of an era for one of the game’s most accomplished playmakers. His leadership on and off the court has influenced numerous teammates, including Klay Thompson, and his presence in playoff games and the 2021 NBA Finals earned him respect league-wide. Fans and analysts alike will remember Paul as a player who combined scoring, passing, and defensive skills with basketball intelligence over more than two decades.
With Paul stepping away, the NBA now looks toward a new generation of stars rising, while veterans like Thompson continue to pursue championships and personal milestones. Paul’s legacy as a future Hall of Famer remains secure, and Thompson’s supportive message highlights the camaraderie and respect that defined their time as teammates.
Chris Paul is retiring from the NBA after 21 seasons, he announced on social media
One of the best to ever do it 👏 pic.twitter.com/oejVBys8Su
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 13, 2026
Chris Paul all-time ranks among PGs:
— 4th in points
— 5th in rebounds
— 2nd in assists
— 2nd in steals
— 6th in threes
— 2nd in double-doublesPoint God. pic.twitter.com/588eU17JAa
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 13, 2026
Chris Paul from 2007-2017:
19.1 PPG
10.2 APG
2.3 SPGFinished top 10 in MVP 7 times.
Made an All-Defensive team 9 times.
Finished top 10 in DPOY multiple times.
Led the NBA in STL 6x (NBA record). pic.twitter.com/2gB7Urjmrt— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) February 13, 2026
