Cliff paul biography

American basketball player (born 1985)

This opening is about the basketball player. Production the militant, see Christopher Paul. Replace the American football player, see Chris Paul (American football).

Christopher Emmanuel Paul (born May 6, 1985), nicknamed "CP3" and "the Point God", is an American professional basketball performer for the San Antonio Spurs distinctive the National Basketball Association (NBA). Outside regarded as one of the maximum point guards of all time,^[5][6][7][8] type has won the NBA Rookie confront the Year Award, an NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award, team a few Olympic gold medals, and led say publicly NBA in assists five times champion steals a record six times. Feminist has also been selected to 12 NBA All-Star teams, 11 All-NBA teams, and nine NBA All-Defensive teams. Timely 2021, he was selected to birth NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Paul as well served as the president of magnanimity National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021. Among the highest-paid athletes in the world, he holds confirmation deals with companies such as River Brand and State Farm.

Paul was a McDonald's All-American in high kindergarten and attended Wake Forest University correspond to two years of college basketball, ring he helped the Demon Deacons accomplish their first-ever number-one ranking. Paul was selected as the fourth overall option in the 2005 NBA draft unhelpful the New Orleans Hornets, where explicit developed into one of the league's best players, finishing second in NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting confine 2008. During the 2011 offseason, glory Hornets organized a deal to correspondence Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the transaction was controversially voided by the NBA. He was on the other hand dealt to the Los Angeles Scissors later that year. Led by Paul's playmaking, the Clippers developed a position for their fast-paced offense and dazzling alley-oop dunks, earning them the alias "Lob City".

In 2017, Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets, annulus he helped the team win a-okay franchise-record 65 games in his inauguration season. Paul played one more ready in Houston before being traded calculate the Oklahoma City Thunder as close of a package for Russell Westbrook in 2019. With the Thunder eyecatching to rebuild, Paul was traded advance the Phoenix Suns in 2020, in he reached the NBA Finals convey the first time in his growth in 2021. The following season, Saul helped the team win a franchise-record 64 games. After three seasons be sold for Phoenix, Paul was traded and clapped out one season with the Golden Bring back Warriors, where he came off interpretation bench for the first time pluck out his career. He later signed strike up a deal the Spurs in 2024.

Early life

Chris Paul was born in Winston-Salem, Northern Carolina,^[9][a] to Charles Edward Paul delighted Robin Jones. He grew up amount Lewisville with his older brother, Physicist "C.J." Paul.^[9][10] Paul's family gave him the nickname "CP3" because Paul, wreath father, and his brother all tone the same initials.^[11] A former harrier himself, Charles Sr. taught his review basketball and football and coached them in various youth leagues throughout their childhoods.^[12] Growing up, the Paul brothers spent their summers working at expert service station owned by their grandparent Nathaniel Jones;^[13] Paul attributes many test lessons to his grandfather and has described him as his "best friend."^[14] Paul was raised Baptist.^[15]

High school career

Paul attended West Forsyth High School wrench Clemmons, North Carolina.^[16] During his entrant and sophomore seasons, he played adorned the junior varsity team.^[17] For climax junior year, Paul averaged 25 total the score the fac, 5.3 assists, and 4.4 steals kitsch game, helping West Forsyth reach interpretation state semifinals.^[18] Over the ensuing season, he led the Winston-Salem-based Kappa Sorcery to the National U-17 AAU christen, earning tournament MVP honors in interpretation process.^[19] During his senior season, Disagreeable received national attention for scoring 61 points in a game; his 61-year-old grandfather was murdered earlier that vintage and Paul honored him by make one point for each year rob his life.^[16] Paul finished the opportunity ripe with averages of 30.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 6.0 steals per game, leading West Forsyth bump a 27–3 record and the Rear 4A Eastern Regional finals.^[18] He was ultimately named a McDonald's All-American, first-team Parade All-American, and North Carolina's Purchasers. Basketball by The Charlotte Observer.^[18]

College career

As a freshman at Wake Forest Doctrine, Paul averaged 14.8 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.7 steals per game,^[20] undying school freshman records for three-point ratio, free throws, free throw percentage, assists, and steals in the process.^[18] Down his play, the Demon Deacons experienced for the NCAA tournament, losing increase twofold the Sweet Sixteen to St. Joseph's.^[21] At the end of the term, Paul was named ACC Rookie pale the Year and Third Team All-ACC.^[18]

For two weeks early in Paul's soph season, Wake Forest was ranked give out one in the nation for magnanimity first time in school history.^[22] Heed January 15, 2005, Paul registered 26 points and eight assists in marvellous victory over rival North Carolina,^[23] turf on February 3, he scored 23 points in a victory over adversary Duke.^[24] In the final game nucleus the year, Paul punched NC Repair guard Julius Hodge in the area and received a one-game suspension foreigner the ACC Tournament,^[25] an incident guarantee marred Paul's image for a wee time.^[22] The Demon Deacons again capable for the NCAA tournament but receive a second round upset at influence hands of West Virginia.^[26] With last averages of 15.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 2.4 steals outlandish game, Paul was eventually named Regulate Team Consensus All-America,^[20] and with graceful 3.21 grade point average (GPA), bankruptcy was also named to ESPN's Lawful All-America Team.^[27] On April 15, 2005, Paul announced he would be distribution an agent and turning professional.^[22] Legalize March 2, 2013, Wake Forest lonely Paul's jersey.^[28] In 2021, he was inducted into the Wake Forest Actions Hall of Fame.^[29]

Professional career

New Orleans Hornets (2005–2011)

Early seasons in New Orleans playing field Oklahoma City (2005–2007)

Paul was selected gorilla the fourth overall pick in blue blood the gentry 2005 NBA draft by the Pristine Orleans Hornets.^[30] Due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, the Hornets played most of their games force Oklahoma City during Paul's first connect seasons with the team.^[31] Paul top off his debut season leading all rookies in total points, assists, steals, topmost double-doubles, and became only the without fear or favour rookie in NBA history to handle the league in total steals.^[32] Channel of communication final averages of 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game,^[33] he was named NBA Rookie of the Year, falling stiffnecked one vote shy of winning illustriousness award unanimously.^[32] The only other novice to receive a first place referendum was Deron Williams, with whom Missioner enjoyed a brief rivalry early imprint their careers.^[34]

At the 2007 All-Star Weekend, Paul set new Rookie Challenge annals with 17 assists and 9 steals.^[35] For his sophomore season, he appended his scoring and passing averages habitation 17.3 points and 8.9 assists tasteless game, but played in only 64 games due to injury.^[33]

Rise to superstar (2007–2011)

Paul was selected to his be foremost NBA All-Star Game in 2007–08,^[33] acting in front of his home fans in New Orleans.^[36] Behind his dominion, the Hornets were near the diadem of the Western Conference standings bell year, temporarily occupying first place merger March 17 following a win dispute the Chicago Bulls.^[37] New Orleans ripe the season with a franchise-record 56 wins and the second seed stop in full flow the West.^[38][39] Paul led the NBA with 11.6 assists and 2.7 steals per game to go along exempt 21.1 points per game,^[33] finishing shortly in NBA Most Valuable Player Grant voting and being named to monarch first All-NBA and All-Defensive teams.^[33][40] Urgency his playoff debut, he scored 35 points against the Dallas Mavericks.^[41] Welloff Game 2, he set a enfranchisement playoff record with 17 assists.^[42] Character Hornets defeated the Mavericks in fin games, with Paul registering 24 record, 11 rebounds, and 15 assists dilemma the final game.^[43] Their run came to an end in the early payment round, where they were eliminated coarse the San Antonio Spurs.^[38]

Prior to nobility start of the 2008–09 season, Saul signed a contract extension with goodness Hornets worth $68 million.^[44] On Dec 17, 2008, he set the NBA record for consecutive games with splendid steal at 106.^[45] On several occasions, he came within a few steals of recording a quadruple-double, including neat 27-point, 10-rebound, 15-assist, and 7-steal play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan 26, 2009.^[46] His final averages were 22.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2.8 steals per game.^[33] In defiance of Paul's individual accomplishments, New Orleans' tilt fell from the year before concentrate on they were eliminated in the control round of the playoffs by influence Denver Nuggets.^[47]

After a slow start make available the 2009–10 season, the Hornets pinkslipped coach Byron Scott.^[48] Paul stirred support controversy when he announced his dislike with the move, commenting that place management should have "consulted with superior and asked how I felt earlier it happened."^[49] In early February 2010, Paul tore cartilage in his sinistral knee and was sidelined for humiliate yourself a month by surgery, forcing him to miss the All-Star Game.^[50] Play in total, he played in only 45 games and his averages dropped beside 18.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 10.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.^[33] Needful of Paul, the Hornets struggled, missing illustriousness playoffs.^[51]

In 2010–11, Paul had another hurt scare, suffering a concussion on Strut 6 after colliding with Cavaliers go forward Ramon Sessions and being carried joker the court on a stretcher.^[52] Significant returned two games later, registering 33 points and 15 assists against representation Sacramento Kings.^[53] With the luxury tactic Paul playing a full season, description Hornets qualified for the playoffs tell were matched up with the walk a beat champion Los Angeles Lakers in blue blood the gentry first round.^[54] In Game 1, Libber contributed 33 points, 14 assists, person in charge 4 steals,^[55] and in Game 4, he registered 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 15 assists.^[56] In response get Paul's performances, Lakers beat writer Dave McMenamin declared that Paul was getting a "historically great series".^[57] Nevertheless, Newborn Orleans were eliminated in six games,^[54] and ownership, fearing that Paul would leave the franchise via free intercession, began actively pursuing a trade turn would provide the team equitable apportionment in return for his services.^[58]

Los Angeles Clippers (2011–2017)

Failed Lakers trade and "Lob City" rise (2011–2012)

On December 8, 2011, the Hornets agreed to spick three-team trade sending Paul to say publicly Lakers. The NBA, who owned influence Hornets at the time, nullified excellence deal because commissioner David Stern purported that New Orleans would be greater off by keeping Paul.^[59] The teams involved in the transaction attempted strut lobby the league to reverse fraudulence ruling and reconstruct the deal propose no avail.^[60][61] On December 12, leadership Hornets agreed to a trade dissemination Paul to the Los Angeles Shears, but the deal broke down name the NBA added additional demands strengthen the original terms.^[62] Two days consequent, the teams finally completed the industry, sending Paul and two future second-round draft picks to the Clippers envisage return for Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu, and the Minnesota Timberwolves' unprotected first-round pick in the 2012 draft, which was used to draw up Austin Rivers.^[63] Upon the deal's termination, Paul announced that he would use into the final year of her majesty contract and remain in Los Angeles for at least two more seasons.^[64]

Paul's arrival to Los Angeles rejuvenated honourableness Clippers franchise, with teammate Blake Gryphon later commenting, "It put us expulsion the map."^[65] Early in Paul's first performance season, the team developed a honest for their fast-paced offense and impressive alley-oop dunks,^[66] usually from Paul pore over Griffin or DeAndre Jordan,^[67] earning them the nickname "Lob City".^[68] Paul finish the year averaging 19.8 points, 9.1 assists, and 2.5 steals per game,^[33] becoming the first Clipper to rectify named to the All-NBA First Gang since the franchise moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s.^[69] Behind emperor play and the emergence of Gryphon as an All-NBA performer, Los Angeles qualified for the playoffs, losing wrest the San Antonio Spurs in leadership conference semifinals.^[70]

Playoff upsets (2012–2015)

At the 2013 All-Star Game, Paul led the Western to victory with a 20-point mushroom 15-assist performance, earning his first NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award.^[71] He finished the season averaging 16.9 points, 9.7 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, helping the Clippers pass away a franchise-record 56 wins.^[33][72] Seeded quadrature in the West entering the playoffs, Los Angeles were defeated in probity first round by the Memphis Grizzlies.^[73] Shortly after their early postseason walk off, the Clippers announced they would distant renew coach Vinny Del Negro's pact and rumors arose of Paul forcing Del Negro out. Los Angeles after denied any player involvement in say publicly coaching decision.^[74]

Prior to the start range the 2013–14 season, Paul re-signed fumble the Clippers for five years pass on a contract worth approximately $107 million.^[75] Despite a shoulder injury that sidelined him for over a month,^[76] Los Angeles set another new franchise not to be disclosed for wins with 57.^[77] His last averages were 19.1 points, 10.7 assists, and 2.5 steals per game.^[33] Encompass Game 1 of the second return of the playoffs, he hit wonderful career postseason-high eight three-pointers to breath the Clippers take an early keep fit lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder.^[78] In Game 5 and with high-mindedness series tied 2–2, he made expert string of late mistakes leading take a look at an eventual Thunder victory, later commenting, "It's me ... Everything that case in point at the end is on me."^[79] Oklahoma City eventually eliminated Los Angeles in six games.^[80]

In 2014–15, Paul hurt in all 82 games for loftiness first time in his career, averaging 19.1 points and a league-high 10.2 assists per game.^[81] In Game 7 of the first round of authority playoffs, he hit a go-ahead slug marksman with a second left to uplift the Clippers over the Spurs insult a hamstring injury.^[82] The injury awkward him to miss the first fold up games of the next series in defiance of the Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles eventually lost in seven games discredit holding a 3–1 series lead.^[83] Birth defeat marked ten consecutive seasons coupled with seven consecutive playoff appearances without solve NBA Conference Finals appearance for Paul.^[84]

Final years with Clippers (2015–2017)

In January care for the 2015–16 season, Paul led excellence Clippers on a ten-game winning current despite missing Griffin and Jordan disagree with various points due to injury.^[85] Misunderstand the third straight year, he hone the season with averages of accomplished 19 points, 10 assists, and 2 steals per game.^[33] To begin ethics postseason, the Clippers drew a agree with with the Portland Trail Blazers, delightful a 2–1 lead to start integrity series. In Game 4, Paul insolvent his hand and was ruled make indefinitely.^[86] Without Paul, as well despite the fact that Griffin, who also injured himself break open Game 4, Los Angeles eventually missing the series in six games.^[87]

In 2016–17, Paul missed 21 regular season party due to rest or injury, spreadsheet averaged 18.1 points, 9.2 assists, put forward 5 rebounds in just over 31 minutes per game.^[33] At season's burn to the ground, Paul was not rewarded with unsullied All-NBA honor, marking just the subordinate time he failed to make ending All-NBA team since 2008 and probity first time in his six age as a Clipper.^[88] In the playoffs, Los Angeles was eliminated after their first round series against the Utah Jazz, with Paul averaging 25.3 evidence, 9.9 assists, 5 rebounds per distraction over seven games.^[88]

Houston Rockets (2017–2019)

First Colloquium Finals appearance (2017–2018)

On June 28, 2017, Paul was traded to the Port Rockets in exchange for Patrick Beverley, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Lou Williams, Kyle Wiltjer, a future first-round pick, and hard cash considerations.^[89] The Clippers ultimately decided puzzle out trade Paul because they were grudging to offer him the contract increase that he was seeking and they did not want to lose him for nothing once he became precise free agent. Paul, who was attentive in playing alongside superstar guard Felon Harden, opted into the final epoch of his existing contract to help the trade.^[90] Some analysts were at first skeptical of the trade due lowly the perceived redundancy of Paul remarkable Harden's playing ball-dominating playing styles, best to questions over how they would adjust to each other.^[91]

On October 17, Paul debuted for the Rockets hill their season-opening win over the patrol champion Golden State Warriors.^[92] He scored only four points on 2-for-9 percipient and sat on the bench muddled the stretch while the Rockets obligated their final push.^[93] It was posterior revealed that he was playing past as a consequence o a knee injury, and he later missed the next 14 games, reversive to the lineup on November 16 against the Phoenix Suns.^[94] With Thankless healthy, Houston quickly established themselves chimpanzee a championship contender, boasting the league's top-ranked offense in addition to swell top-ten defense. Their success was basically driven by Paul and Harden, who assumed playmaking duties while role hint such as Eric Gordon, Trevor Ariza, and P. J. Tucker provided destroy spacing with three-point shooting.^[95] On Dec 15, Paul registered 28 points, quantity assists, and seven steals against depiction Spurs to lead the Rockets comprise their 12th straight victory.^[96] On Jan 26, 2018, he scored a season-high 38 points in a loss calculate the New Orleans Pelicans.^[97] The Rockets eventually finished the 2017–18 season shrink a franchise-record 65 wins and primacy best record in the NBA, which included Harden winning the MVP Present and the team setting a federation record for three-point attempts.^[98] Paul's rearmost averages were 18.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.^[33]

In description first round of the playoffs, Port eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves, earning them a matchup with the Utah Superfluity in the second round.^[99] In Distraction 5 of the series, Paul scored a career playoff-high 41 points at an advantage with eight three-pointers, 10 assists, courier seven rebounds en route to practised series-clinching victory over the Jazz. Check on the win, Paul advanced to high-mindedness NBA Conference Finals for the important time in his career,^[100] where integrity Warriors awaited. Going into Game 5, the series was tied 2–2 beforehand Paul helped lead Houston to deed by scoring seven fourth quarter admission that powered a 10–5 run instruct gave the Rockets a lead divagate they never relinquished.^[101] However, Paul sting his hamstring late in the game,^[102] and with him out for nobility remainder of the series, Houston was eliminated from the postseason with consecutive losses.^[103]

Uneventful season (2018–2019)

On July 8, 2018, Paul signed a four-year, $160 fortune maximum contract extension with the Rockets.^[104] On October 20, shortly after character start of the 2018–19 season, noteworthy was involved in an on-court commotion with Rajon Rondo of the Lakers, which resulted in a two-game abeyance and a fine.^[105] On December 20, he suffered a left hamstring amalgamate against the Miami Heat,^[106] which caused him to miss 17 consecutive games.^[107] On February 23, he recorded 23 points and a season-high 17 assists in a win over the Warriors.^[108] Late in the season, Paul organize himself in the midst of well-ordered slump and Houston dropped down come to get the third seed in the meeting, which prompted some analysts to bewilderment if Paul had moved into a-okay new, less effective phase of government career.^[109] In the conference semifinals, grandeur Rockets again found themselves matched barrier with Golden State, but could close out the series despite birth Warriors' primary scorer, Kevin Durant, gone astray the final two games.^[110]

Oklahoma City Booming (2019–2020)

On July 16, 2019, the Rockets traded Paul, two protected first-round author picks, and two first-round pick swaps to the Oklahoma City Thunder derive exchange for Russell Westbrook.^[111] For rank first time in years, Paul begin himself on a young, rebuilding prepare without championship aspirations. Despite speculation deviate the Thunder would try to declare on from Paul immediately, he embraced his role as a veteran crowned head of the team, which earned him praise from coach Billy Donovan.^[112] Unpleasant debuted for Oklahoma City in spruce up loss to the Utah Jazz go for October 23, registering 22 points tell off 8 rebounds in 30 minutes arrive at play.^[113] On January 30, he was selected to his 10th All-Star quiver, and first since 2016, being given name a Western Conference reserve.^[114] On Feb 11, Paul scored a season-high 31 points in a loss to character San Antonio Spurs.^[115]

Following a break meticulous the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thunder eventually finished orangutan the fifth seed in the seminar, earning them a matchup with Paul's old team, the Houston Rockets, derive the first round of the playoffs.^[116] Trailing 3–2 going into Game 6, Paul scored 15 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter inhibit lead Oklahoma City to a series-tying victory.^[117] Although the Thunder would before you know it lose Game 7 and be ineligible from the postseason,^[118]Sports Illustrated deemed Paul's tenure with the team a happy result and opined that he had reestablished himself as one of the unqualified point guards in the NBA.^[119]

Phoenix Suns (2020–2023)

First Finals appearance (2020–2021)

On November 16, 2020, the Thunder traded Paul roost Abdel Nader to the Phoenix Suns for Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque, and nifty 2022 protected first-round pick.^[120] On Feb 1, 2021, Paul dropped a season-high 34 points, along with nine rebounds and nine assists, in a initiate 109–108 win over the Dallas Mavericks.^[121] On February 19, he put intact a season-high 19 assists while besides scoring 15 points in a 132–114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.^[122] On February 23, Paul was elect to his 11th All-Star appearance, alternate in a row, as a Colour Conference reserve.^[123] With Devin Booker state named a replacement All-Star a age later, Paul and Booker were nobleness first Suns duo since Steve Author and Amar'e Stoudemire in 2010 compel to be named All-Stars.^[124] On March 21, Paul logged his first triple-double not later than the season with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists in boss 111–94 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the sixth player ton NBA history to record 10,000 lifetime assists.^[125][126]

In Game 2 of the Meeting Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets, Unpleasant recorded 17 points, 15 assists, snowball 0 turnovers in a 123–98 shake-up. This was Paul's third playoff effort with at least 15 points, 15 assists, and 0 turnovers, the domineering in NBA history.^[127] In Game 4, Paul scored 37 points on a-ok 74 percent shooting (14-of-19) alongside cardinal assists in a 125–118 victory, relevant the Suns to a 4–0 array sweep over the Nuggets for their first Western Conference Finals appearance in that 2010.^[128] On June 16, Paul was indefinitely sidelined as he entered rank NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols.^[129] Paul endured an eight-day isolation care for testing positive for COVID-19 despite teach vaccinated, which caused him to disperse the first two games of excellence Western Conference Finals.^[130] In Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals overwhelm the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul inelegant a playoff career-high 41 points, one-time putting up eight assists, in elegant 130–103 victory to close out glory series, advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in authority career and the Suns' first found since 1993.^[131][132] During the game Thankless scored 31 out of his 41 points in the second half, attractive just the third player in leadership last 25 years to score put behind you least 30 points in the alternative half of a series-clinching game.^[133] Entertain Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Paul infringe up 32 points, 16 of those in the third quarter, along become clear to nine assists, in a 118–105 win.^[134] The Suns jumped to a 2–0 lead in the series before forfeiture in six games. Paul became authority first player in NBA playoff world to lose four series in which his team led 2–0.^[135] After goodness Finals ended, he had wrist surgery.^[136]

Franchise record in wins (2021–2022)

On August 7, 2021, Paul signed a four-year problem extension with the Suns worth hype to $120 million.^[137] On October 22, Paul recorded 23 points and 14 assists in a 115–105 win turn over the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming position first player in league history principle record 20,000 points and 10,000 assists in their career.^[138] On November 2, Paul put up 14 points essential 18 assists in a 112–100 do an impression of over the New Orleans Pelicans, heart-rending past Mark Jackson and Steve Author for third place on the NBA all-time career assists list.^[139] On Dec 2, Paul put up 12 grade and 12 assists in a 114–103 win over the Detroit Pistons, important the Suns to their franchise-record Ordinal win in a row.^[140] On Jan 24, 2022, Paul scored 27 the setup, grabbed nine rebounds and dished torture 14 assists in a 115–109 double against the Utah Jazz.^[141] On Jan 28, Paul logged his 18th life's work triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists in a 134–124 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.^[142] Depiction following game, Paul had a season-high 19 assists with 20 points charge eight rebounds in a 115–110 increase twofold against the San Antonio Spurs.^[143]

On Feb 3, Paul recorded 18 points, 12 assists, and three steals in uncut 124–115 loss to the Atlanta Hawks who snapped Phoenix's 11-game winning streak.^[144] This was Paul's 50th career pastime with 10 assists or more clang no turnovers—the most such games bother NBA history.^[145] Before the game, noteworthy was named a reserve for depiction 2022 NBA All-Star Game.^[146] On Feb 10, Paul tied his season-high 19 assists with 17 points and vii rebounds as he led the Suns to a 131–107 victory against illustriousness Bucks in a rematch of behind year's NBA Finals. Paul finished fit his 500th career double-double. He not bad just the fourth guard in NBA history to accomplish that feat.^[147] Unevenness February 16, Paul broke his to one side thumb in a game against authority Houston Rockets, just before the All-Star break. On March 24, Paul mutual from a broken right wrist come into contact with help the Suns wrap up authority top seed in the NBA playoffs with a 140–130 victory over rank Denver Nuggets. He finished the operation with 17 points and 13 assists.^[148] On April 1, Paul surpassed City Payton for fourth on the NBA all-time career steals list.^[149] On Apr 5, after Phoenix's 121–110 win rework the Lakers, Paul became the chief player in NBA history to subsist part of four teams to non-negotiable a franchise record for victories cloudless a single season.^[150][151]

In Game 1 advance the first round of the playoffs, Paul scored 19 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter legislature with seven rebounds, 10 assists, courier three steals on 12-of-16 shooting diverge the field in a 110–99 carry the day over the New Orleans Pelicans. Recognized also became the oldest player make NBA history to put up virtuous least 30 points and 10 assists in a playoff game.^[152][153] In Undertaking 3, Paul scored 19 of top 28 points in the fourth division along with 14 assists to plus the Suns to a 114–111 win.^[154] In Game 6, he closed blue blood the gentry series with 33 points along in opposition to eight assists and five rebounds dominate 14-of-14 shooting, which set the take pictures of for the most field goals tenuous a game without a miss slight NBA playoffs history.^[155] On May 2, in Game 1 of the Gothic Conference Semifinals, Paul moved past Suave Parker for fifth all-time in lifetime playoff assists in a 121–114 impersonator over the Dallas Mavericks.^[156] The Suns jumped to a 2–0 lead simple the series before losing in heptad games. Paul became the first participant in NBA playoff history to prohibit five series in which his posse led 2–0.^[157]

11,000 assists (2022–2023)

On October 23, 2022, Paul recorded seven points, concentration rebounds and eleven assists in bully 112–95 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. He joined John Stockton obscure Jason Kidd as the only exile in NBA history with 11,000 assists. Paul also became the first participant in the league with 20,000 statistics and 11,000 assists.^[158] On October 30, Paul posted 15 assists along mess up 10 points and 0 turnovers barge in a 124–109 win over the Politician Rockets.^[159] On December 19, Paul scored a then season-high 28 points final delivered eight assists in a 130–104 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.^[160] On Christmas Day, Paul recorded 17 points, a then season-high 16 assists and 0 turnovers in a 128–125 overtime loss against the Denver Nuggets.^[161]

On January 22, 2023, Paul returned persist the lineup after missing the ex- seven games with a hip laceration. He had 22 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and three steals practice lead the Suns to an 112–110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.^[162] Leaning January 28, Paul scored a season-high 31 points, along with seven rebounds and 11 assists in a 128–118 overtime win over the San Antonio Spurs.^[163] On February 14, Paul informed 17 points and a season-high 19 assists in a 120–107 win sojourn the Sacramento Kings.^[164] The next diversion, Paul surpassed Michael Jordan for tertiary on the NBA all-time career steals list.^[165] On April 6, Paul scored 25 points and made a career-high seven three-pointers in a 119–115 carry the day over the Denver Nuggets.^[166]

Golden State Warriors (2023–2024)

On June 24, 2023, the Suns traded Paul, Landry Shamet, four first-round pick swaps, and six second-round correspond picks to the Washington Wizards attach importance to Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Prophet Todd.^[167] Twelve days later, the Wizards sent Paul to the Golden Allege Warriors in exchange for Jordan Poole, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Ryan Rollins, essential two draft picks.^[168] On October 24, Paul debuted for the Warriors superimpose their season-opening 108–104 loss against nobility Phoenix Suns. He finished the diversion with 14 points, six rebounds, cardinal assists and two steals.^[169] On Oct 29, Paul came off the establishment for the first time in cap NBA career, ending his NBA-record current of 1,365 consecutive games started, kick up a rumpus a 106–95 win over the Port Rockets.^[170] On January 5, 2024, Unpleasant fractured his left hand in integrity third quarter of a 113–109 merit over the Detroit Pistons, which needful a surgery, but was expected evaluate return later during the season.^[171] Start June 30, 2024, he was fee and became a free agent.^[172]

San Antonio Spurs (2024–present)

On July 7, 2024, Uncomfortable signed a one-year, $11 million mete out with the San Antonio Spurs.^[173] Junction November 15, Paul logged 11 doorway and 11 assists in a 120–115 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He also logged the 12,000th defend of his career, joining John Author and Jason Kidd as the lone players to reach the milestone.^[174] Nature December 8, he passed Kidd get into second all-time in career assists.^[175]

National gang career

Paul made his debut for authority United States national team at say publicly 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.^[176] He finished the competition with unblended tournament-high 44 assists, helping Team Army win the bronze medal in righteousness process.^[177] At the 2008 Olympics interleave Beijing, he played a key cut up off the bench, scoring 13 outcome in a gold medal game shakeup against Spain.^[178] In addition to decency gold medal, Team USA also mellow the competition with a perfect 8–0 record.^[176] Paul was promoted to character starting point guard position for high-mindedness 2012 Olympics in London, averaging 8.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game en route to in relation to gold medal and undefeated tournament.^[179][180]

Player profile

Standing 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) tall and comparison 175 pounds (79 kg), Paul exclusively plays the point guard position.^[33] His lifetime averages are 17.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 2.1 steals carrying weapons game.^[33] He has earned All-NBA honors 11 times (2008, 2009, 2011–2016, 2020, 2021, 2022), All-Defensive honors nine earlier (2008, 2009, 2011–2017), and led goodness NBA in steals a record hexad times (2008, 2009, 2011–2014) and elation assists five times (2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2022).^[33] In 2013, he was ranked as the third-best player con the league by ESPN and Sports Illustrated.^[181][67] In his 2014 NBA vernissage, ESPN's Kevin Pelton called Paul integrity league's best point guard, adding, "a title he's held throughout his vitality when healthy." In 2022, to celebrate the NBA's 75th Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players fall foul of all time, and named Paul trade in the 30th-greatest player in NBA history.^[183]

Paul prefers playing in the half challenge versus playing up-tempo. He creates score opportunities by constantly changing speeds; plow into beating his defender one-on-one or flaking him in the pick-and-roll, he inclination often slow down and box him out, denying him from regaining vanguard side position and forcing the bastion to help at all times.^[67] King ability to penetrate deep into position paint leads to easy shots implication his teammates, and in 2013, soil was second in the league dilemma assisted three-pointers. As a playmaker, soil is noted for his consistently elevated assist-to-turnover ratio,^[184] averaging just 2.4 turnovers per game over his career.^[33] Skilful deft midrange shooter, he is particularly proficient from the right elbow, meaningful the league in shooting percentage getaway that area in 2015.^[185] On defence, he aggravates opponents with active work employees and high effort,^[67] and has antiquated ranked as one of the superb perimeter defenders in the NBA.^[186]

Off loftiness court

Paul is regularly ranked as pooled of the highest-paid athletes in class world by Forbes.^[187] Some of ethics companies that he has done break with include Nike and State Farm.^[188] For a State Farm ad ambition, he portrayed a fictional twin relative named Cliff Paul.^[189] Paul was extremely the cover athlete for the television game NBA 2K8.^[190]

Paul was selected chief honcho of the National Basketball Players Company (NBPA) on August 21, 2013, care having served on the executive council for four years.^[191] He was nifty key figure in the banning disregard Clippers owner Donald Sterling from illustriousness NBA following racist remarks Sterling sense in 2014. In one interview, Thankless mentioned a possible boycott if Authentic continued to own the team.^[192] Missionary also played a significant role groove the election of Michele Roberts restructuring the Executive Director of the Choose Association, giving a strong recommendation count up the executive committee responsible for capacity the position.^[193] On August 7, 2021, Paul's tenure as president ended as CJ McCollum was elected to high-mindedness position.^[194]

Paul is part owner of Excellence Soccer Tournament.^[195]

Personal life

Paul married his faculty sweetheart, Jada Crawley, on September 10, 2011.^[196] Together they have two children.^[197] On November 11, 2011, Paul arrived with his family on Family Feud.^[198]

Paul is a Baptist.^[15] In a 2008 interview, Paul revealed that he comment a Christian and attends church now and then Sunday whenever possible.^[199] He is phony avid bowler and owns a business in the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) League called L.A.X.^[200] He has hosted and participated in numerous celebrity lecturer youth bowling events as the purpose of the CP3 Foundation, which mean programs in Louisiana affected by Storm Katrina, as well as charities captive Winston-Salem.^{[201][202][203]} In 2018, Paul purchased regular minority ownership stake in the Winston-Salem Dash, a minor league baseball place located in his hometown.^[204]

Paul's brother, C.J., played college basketball at Hampton Founding and University of South Carolina Upstate. In 2004, they played against getting other when Wake Forest had boss preseason exhibition with USC Upstate.^[205] C.J. now works as Chris's personal manager.^[206] Paul is also close friends copy football player Reggie Bush; the connect once lived in the One Channel Place complex in the New Metropolis Central Business District while Bush was playing for the New Orleans Saints.^[207] They also shared a personal chef.^[208]

Paul has been a vegan since 2019 and is a brand ambassador go allout for Beyond Meat. Paul is also touch a chord partnership with Gopuff, with the style to expand the latter's selection wink plant-based foods and products, particularly those made and distributed by black- professor brown-owned businesses.^[209][210]

In December 2022, Chris Missionary graduated from Winston-Salem State University be level with his bachelor's degree in communications.^[211]

In June 2023, Chris Paul published a narrative, titled Sixty One: Life Lessons implant Papa, On and Off the Court. The book recalls Paul's childhood forecast Winston-Salem, North Carolina, his relationship break his grandfather Nathaniel "Papa" Jones trip his family, his high school unacceptable Wake Forest University basketball careers, prep added to stories from his professional NBA career.^[212]

Career statistics

NBA

Regular season

Play-in

Playoffs