Honestly, if you told a casual fan back in 2005 that the skinny kid from Wake Forest would still be barking orders on an NBA court in 2026, they’d probably have laughed. Yet, here we are. Chris Paul, the man they call the "Point God," is currently navigating what many believe is the final act of a career that has spanned over two decades. It’s been a wild ride. From the "Lob City" dunks in Los Angeles to a gritty mentorship role in San Antonio, and now back with the Los Angeles Clippers for a veteran swan song, Paul has redefined what longevity looks like for a small guard.
The San Antonio Experiment and the Wembanyama Effect
People were kinda confused when Paul signed with the San Antonio Spurs for the 2024-25 season. Why go to a rebuilding team at 39 years old? The answer became clear the moment he stepped onto the floor with Victor Wembanyama. Basically, the Spurs bought a masterclass in basketball IQ for their young phenom. Paul didn’t just play; he taught. He assisted on 121 of Wembanyama's buckets in just 46 games together. That’s insane.
The Spurs’ winning percentage jumped from 27% to 41% with him on the roster. He wasn't just a locker room guy. He was a floor general. Brian Windhorst reported that Paul was essentially running "de facto clinics" on the pick-and-roll during practice. When a guy like CP3 talks, you listen. Especially if you're a 7-foot-4 alien like Wemby who’s still learning the nuances of the NBA game.
Moving on to the Clippers (Again)
Life comes at you fast in the NBA. After his stint in Texas, Paul made his way back to the Los Angeles Clippers for the 2025-26 season. It’s a bit of a poetic homecoming, though the circumstances are way different than the Blake Griffin days. He’s currently playing on a one-year, $3.6 million veteran minimum deal.
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The numbers aren't what they used to be. Not even close. We're talking about 2.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. He’s 40 years old. His "burst" is mostly a memory at this point. He relies on positioning, veteran savvy, and those famously active hands. But the Clippers didn't sign him to be an All-Star. They signed him to keep the ship steady when James Harden or Kawhi Leonard need a breather.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Legacy
There’s this weird narrative that Chris Paul is a "failure" because he doesn’t have a ring. That’s just lazy. If you actually look at the data, Paul is one of only two players in history to hit 20,000 points and 10,000 assists. He’s second all-time in assists (over 12,500) and steals (over 2,700), trailing only John Stockton.
His impact is often hidden in the wins. He took a dismal Oklahoma City Thunder team to the playoffs when everyone thought they’d be tanking. He led the Phoenix Suns to the Finals. He even pushed the prime Golden State Warriors to the brink with the Rockets. Injuries usually robbed him at the worst times—that hamstring in 2018 is still one of the biggest "what-ifs" in league history.
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- 12-time All-Star
- 11-time All-NBA selection
- 9-time All-Defensive team
- 5-time assists leader
- 6-time steals leader
The "Point God" Business Mogul
Off the court, Paul is preparing for a life that doesn't involve a whistle. He recently launched The Chris Paul Collective, a massive holding company for his investments. He’s got equity in Angel City FC, a production company called OhhDip, and even stakes in companies like WatchBox and Beyond Meat.
His career earnings? Over $404 million. He’s not just "retired rich." He's "owning a team" rich. He’s been vocal about wanting to own a WNBA or NBA franchise one day. Given his eight-year tenure as President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), he’s probably better prepared for the front office than almost anyone else currently playing.
Why 2026 Feels Like the End
It's been a long road. 21 seasons. That’s more than half his life spent in the league. Reports from the Clippers locker room suggest his "big voice" leadership style has occasionally caused friction, which is classic CP3. He’s demanding. He’s a perfectionist. But as his body slows down—evidenced by the finger, hand, and hamstring injuries that have piled up over the last few years—the transition to a front-office role seems inevitable.
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He’s already hinted that he’d prefer a management role over coaching. He wants to be home more. He wants to see his kids play.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking the tail end of Chris Paul's career or evaluating his place in history, keep these specific factors in mind:
- Watch the Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: Even at 40, Paul maintains a roughly 4:1 ratio. This is the hallmark of his game. If you’re a young point guard, study how he protects the ball.
- The "Level-Raiser" Metric: Look at the win-loss records of teams the year before Paul arrives versus the year he joins. It’s almost always a positive swing. This is the best way to quantify his value beyond raw stats.
- Front Office Watch: Keep an eye on the San Antonio Spurs or Charlotte Hornets as potential landing spots for him in an executive capacity. His relationship with the Spurs organization remains strong despite his short tenure.
- Legacy over Rings: Don't get bogged down in the "no championships" debate. Evaluate him as a floor general who maximized the talent of everyone around him, from Tyson Chandler to DeAndre Jordan to Victor Wembanyama.
Chris Paul might not be the fastest guy on the floor anymore, and he definitely isn't the highest jumper. But in 2026, he remains the smartest person in the building. Whether he’s wearing a jersey or a suit, the NBA is better for having him in it.