Lewisville's Chris Paul Announces Retirement After 21 Seasons in the NBA

Chris Paul, the esteemed point guard and 12-time All-Star, has declared his intention to  retire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 NBA season, marking the end of a remarkable 21-year career.

 

Paul, 40, made the announcement via social media ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers' game in his home state of North Carolina, sharing a heartfelt message: "Back in NC!!! What a ride...Still so much left...GRATEFUL for this last one!!"

 

Born and raised in North Carolina, Paul grew up in Lewisville, NC and attended West Forsyth High School in Clemmons. While in high school he gained national attention by scoring 61 points in a single game to honor his late grandfather. He then played college basketball at Wake Forest University, leading the Demon Deacons to their first-ever number-one ranking.

 

Selected fourth overall in the 2005 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets, Paul quickly established himself as one of the league's premier point guards. Over his career, he has played for several teams, including the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs, before returning to the Clippers for his final season.

 

Paul's accolades include 12 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA team honors, and nine All-Defensive team honors. He ranks second all-time in both assists (12,532) and steals (2,727), trailing only John Stockton. Despite his numerous achievements, an NBA championship has eluded him, with his closest opportunity coming in 2021 when the Phoenix Suns fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Finals.

 

Beyond his on-court success, Paul has been a significant figure off the court. He served as the president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021 and has established the Chris Paul Foundation for his philanthropic efforts, based in his home town of Lewisville, North Carolina.

 

As Paul prepares to conclude his storied career, the basketball community reflects on his profound impact on the game and anticipates his future endeavors beyond the hardwood. Do you think he will move back to  Lewisville for retirement? Reach out and let us know!