One of the greatest point guards in NBA history is set to call it a career.
Paul alluded to the impending retirement in a social-media post on Saturday.
“Back in NC!!! What a ride…Still so much left…GRATEFUL for this last one!!” Paul said in his post as the Clippers gear up for a game against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., and an alum of the nearby Wake Forest University, Paul’s connections with Charlotte and North Carolina run deep, making this final game in his home state a special one for the 21-year pro.
One of the most impactful two-way guards in league history, Paul has 12 all-star, 11 all-NBA and nine all-defensive selections to his name. He is also a five-time assist and a six-time steals champion, and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, chosen in 2021.
Paul, drafted fourth overall in 2005 by the New Orleans Hornets, is the only player remaining from his draft class. He was named rookie of the year after turning an 18-win team the prior season into a 38-win team in his first NBA campaign.
His ability to elevate teams would be a common thread over his long and storied campaign, over which he averaged 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2 steals en route to a surefire Hall of Fame spot.
Paul split his time with the Hornets, Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors, and made the playoffs in 15 of his 20 season.
However, a championship has always eluded him. The closest he came was in 2021, when his Suns lost in six games to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals.
Paul sits second all-time in career assists and career steals, behind only John Stockton in both categories.
