Kenny “The Jet” Smith, cohost of Inside The NBA, has praised Chris Paul‘s career and foresees a promising coaching future for the recently retired NBA star. During an interview over All-Star Weekend, Smith highlighted Paul’s impressive resume and expressed enthusiasm about what lies ahead for CP3.
Paul, who officially announced his retirement shortly after being released by the Toronto Raptors following a three-team trade with the Clippers, is now expected to transition from player to coach. Smith emphasized Paul’s credentials as one of the greatest point guards in league history and encouraged him to pursue a head coaching position soon.
Chris Paul’s Career and Potential Coaching Path
Smith applauded Paul’s impact throughout his 17-year career, noting his unique ability to operate like a coach while playing as a floor general. From his early days with the New Orleans Hornets to his leadership roles with the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns, Paul built a reputation for directing offenses and influencing team dynamics.
Smith compared Paul’s prospective coaching path to that of Jason Kidd, who quickly moved into a head coaching role after retiring.
“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 urged.
Legacy Beyond the Final Months on Court
Despite some critics suggesting that the Clippers treated Paul unfairly toward the end of his playing days, Smith dismissed those claims. He emphasized that Paul’s legacy, built over nearly two decades starting from his high school and Wake Forest days, remains untarnished by his final months in the league.
“Everyone has their own agenda, but Chris Paul’s agenda won’t be erased by the last three months of his career. It started 17 years ago, so Chris Paul has built a career and a legacy that can’t be tainted,”
Smith stated.
Anticipating a New Chapter
Chris Paul may have stepped away from the player’s role on the court, but the consensus is that his involvement with the NBA is far from over. Given his leadership qualities and deep understanding of the game, many, including Kenny Smith, expect Paul to soon be guiding players from the sidelines with a whistle and clipboard in hand.
