Did Chris Paul Retire?

Christopher Emmanuel Paul (born May 6, 1985), nicknamed "CP3" and "The Point God," is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time, Paul has built a legendary 21-year career marked by exceptional playmaking, leadership, and defensive prowess.

Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Paul grew up in Lewisville with his older brother, Charles "C.J." Paul Jr. The nickname "CP3" comes from sharing initials with his father and brother. His grandfather Nathaniel Jones, whom Paul called his "best friend," was a significant influence, teaching him life lessons while working at his service station. Tragically, Jones was murdered during Paul's high school years, an event that profoundly shaped him.

At West Forsyth High School, Paul emerged as a star, averaging 30.8 points, 9.5 assists, and 6.0 steals as a senior. In a poignant tribute, he scored exactly 61 points in one game to honor his grandfather's age at death. He was named a McDonald's All-American, first-team Parade All-American, and North Carolina Mr. Basketball.

At Wake Forest University (2003-2005), Paul dazzled as a freshman, setting school records and earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors. As a sophomore, he earned consensus first-team All-American status and led Wake Forest to its first-ever No. 1 national ranking. His jersey No. 3 was retired in 2013, and he was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.

Drafted 4th overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005, Paul won Rookie of the Year and quickly established himself as an elite player. He finished second in MVP voting in 2008, leading the Hornets to a franchise-record 56 wins. His career has included stints with the Clippers (creating "Lob City"), Rockets (reaching Conference Finals), Thunder (mentoring young talent), Suns (reaching first NBA Finals), Warriors (first bench role), and Spurs (veteran leadership).

Paul's achievements are extensive: 12 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA teams, 9 All-Defensive teams, 5 assists titles, and a record 6 steals titles. He ranks second all-time in both assists (12,000+) and steals, and is the first player with 20,000 points and 10,000 assists. He won Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012, and served as NBPA president from 2013 to 2021.

Off the court, Paul is a philanthropist through his CP3 Foundation, a vegan advocate, and a successful businessman with investments in sports ownership, technology, and plant-based foods. He graduated from Winston-Salem State University in 2022 and published a memoir, "Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court," in 2023.

On November 22, 2025, Paul announced that the 2025-26 season would be his final NBA season, marking the end of one of the most distinguished careers in basketball history. Despite never winning an NBA championship, his impact on the game, his teams, and the players' union has been immeasurable, solidifying his legacy as "The Point God."