By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Boston Globe
Chris Paul retires after 21 seasons playing in the NBA. Paul is the second-most in assists with 12,542 in NBA history. He made his announcement on social media.
“This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball. As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel, but for once – most people would be surprised – I didn’t have the answer lol! But most of all, I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude! While this chapter of being an “NBA player” is done, the game of basketball will forever be ingrained in the DNA of my life.”
Paul is also a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He’s regarded as one of the point guards in league history. Paul accomplished a lot in his years playing in the NbA. He’s made 12 trips to the All-Star game, an 11-time All-NBA, 9-time All-Defensive team, and 2005-06 Rookie of the Year.
John Stockton still holds the career assists record with 15,806. Paul is ahead of other great facilitators such as Jason Kidd, LeBron James, and Steve Nash.
Paul has played for many teams, and with every team he played for, the winning percentage increased. Paul began his career with the New Orleans Hornets. Then he made stops with the Los Angeles Clippers (twice), Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors.
His leadership and toughness with teammates may have rubbed some league players the wrong way, but he loved to win and wanted his teammates to thrive. Paul had opportunities to win a championship, and on the teams he has come close. Sometimes injuries have gotten in the way.
Paul’s best opportunities to make a deep run to a championship or to win a title are with the 2015 Clippers, 2018 Rockets, and 2021 Suns. His tenure with the Suns was the closest he has come to winning a championship. Paul and the Suns were two wins away from beating the Milwaukee Bucks that season. They had a 2-0 lead before losing four straight.
Unfortunately, Paul didn’t get to retire on his own terms. A player like him deserves to have a retirement tour. Paul means so much to basketball, and his future endeavors will be even better. Paul will continue to work and help elevate the game of basketball after retirement.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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