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Chris Paul Announces Retirement After 20-Year NBA Career
When Chris Paul quietly told his teammates he was done after 20 seasons, no one knew it would become one of the most emotional announcements in modern NBA history. The nine-time All-Star point guard confirmed his retirement at the end of the 2025-2026 NBA season, a decision that sent ripples through the league just weeks into the campaign. By November 22, 2025, CBS Sports had broken the news on its 24-hour streaming channel, CBS Sports HQ, with analyst Ashley Nicole Moss calling it "a powerful thing" — not just the end of a career, but the closing of an era.
One of the Best Point Guards of All Time
Chris Paul didn’t just play basketball; he redefined it. At 39, with 11,800 assists, 2,300 steals, and 23,000 career points, he’s statistically the most complete floor general in NBA history. He led the league in assists six times, in steals five times, and made the All-Star team every year from 2008 to 2016 — a streak only matched by legends like Magic Johnson and John Stockton. His leadership turned the New Orleans Hornets into playoff contenders, then carried the Los Angeles Clippers from perennial also-rans to Western Conference threats. Even in his final seasons, he played with the precision of a Swiss watch — no wasted motion, no missed reads.What made him special wasn’t just the stats. It was the way he controlled tempo, the way he made everyone around him better. Coaches called him a coach on the floor. Teammates called him their conscience. Opponents? They just knew they were in a chess match every night.
A Season-Long Farewell
The NBA doesn’t do retirement tours like baseball or football. But this year, it will. Every arena Paul steps into from now until June 2026 — whether it’s Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, or TD Garden in Boston — will honor him. Expect standing ovations, video tributes, and gifts from opposing teams. The Los Angeles Clippers have already confirmed they’ll host a formal ceremony during their home finale in April. The New Orleans Pelicans, the franchise that evolved from the Hornets Paul once led, are planning something even more personal — possibly a jersey retirement in the rafters, despite the name change."We’ll have a season officially to do that, certainly the Association," said Ashley Nicole Moss during her CBS Sports segment. "And for sure, we will be able to cherish." Her words carried weight. This isn’t just about one player leaving. It’s about the end of a style — the old-school, cerebral point guard who ran the offense like a symphony conductor.
Exceeding the Position, Exceeding the Era
Moss didn’t mince words: "He’s exceeded that era. Also has exceeded the position." That’s the highest praise in sports. Paul didn’t just fit the mold of a point guard — he broke it. In today’s NBA, where speed and three-point shooting dominate, Paul’s game was built on patience, footwork, and timing. He didn’t need to dunk to dominate. He didn’t need to shoot 15 times a game to control the outcome. He just needed to make the right pass, at the right time, to the right person.Compare him to today’s stars: Luka Dončić runs the offense like a maestro, but he’s a scorer first. Ja Morant flies through the air, but he’s an athlete first. Paul? He was a tactician. He could read defenses before they formed. He could turn a turnover into a fast break with a glance. In the modern NBA’s hurry-up rhythm, he was the calm in the storm.
Legacy Beyond the Court
Paul’s influence stretches far beyond stats and highlights. He’s been a vocal advocate for player safety, pushing the NBA to reduce back-to-back games. He helped shape the 2020 NBA bubble protocols. He’s mentored younger guards like Cade Cunningham and Jalen Suggs. Off the court, he’s invested in youth programs in North Carolina, Louisiana, and California — places where his journey took root.His retirement isn’t just a loss for the Clippers or the NBA. It’s a loss for the game itself. There won’t be another Chris Paul. Not because others can’t be great — but because his combination of IQ, will, and consistency may never be replicated.
What’s Next for Chris Paul?
Paul has hinted at staying in basketball — possibly as a front-office executive or broadcaster. He’s already done commentary work for CBS Sports during playoff games. His voice, calm and authoritative, fits perfectly in the booth. But don’t expect him to disappear. He’s too competitive for that. Even in retirement, he’ll be watching, analyzing, and yes — still trying to win.The final game? Likely in June 2026, during the NBA Finals, if his team makes it. If not, it’ll be the final game of the regular season — April 17, 2026, in Los Angeles. Either way, the arena will be silent for a moment. Then, the roar will begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NBA All-Star selections did Chris Paul have?
Chris Paul was selected to the NBA All-Star Game nine times, from 2008 through 2016 — a streak unmatched by any active player today. He was the first point guard since John Stockton to make seven consecutive All-Star teams, and his nine selections place him among the top 15 all-time in that category.
Which teams did Chris Paul play for during his NBA career?
Paul played for the New Orleans Hornets (2005–2011), Los Angeles Clippers (2011–2017), Houston Rockets (2017–2019), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019–2020), Phoenix Suns (2020–2023), and the Los Angeles Clippers again (2023–2026). He spent the longest stretch — six full seasons — with the Clippers, where he became a franchise icon.
Why is Chris Paul’s retirement such a big deal in the NBA?
Paul’s retirement marks the end of an era for the traditional point guard. He combined elite playmaking, defensive tenacity, and basketball IQ in a way few have. In a league increasingly dominated by athleticism and three-point shooting, Paul’s style — rooted in fundamentals and control — may never be seen again at his level.
Will Chris Paul be a Hall of Famer?
Without question. Paul is a lock for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His nine All-Star appearances, five All-NBA First Team selections, and leadership on teams that transformed franchises make him one of the most decorated point guards in history. He’ll be eligible in 2031, and his induction will be among the most celebrated in recent memory.
What’s the significance of the Hornets vs. Pelicans reference in the announcement?
The Hornets name is historically accurate — Paul played for the team when it was still called the New Orleans Hornets (2005–2013). The franchise rebranded as the Pelicans in 2013, but fans and media still refer to the earlier era when honoring Paul’s legacy. His impact in New Orleans helped save the franchise after Hurricane Katrina, making his connection to the city deeply emotional.
How will the NBA honor Chris Paul during his final season?
Every opposing team is expected to present Paul with a personalized gift before their game against his team. The NBA will likely produce a league-wide video tribute, and arenas will play extended highlight reels. The Clippers and Pelicans are planning formal ceremonies, and there’s speculation the league might retire his jersey number — 3 — across all teams, a rare honor reserved for icons like Jordan and Magic.
