Chris Paul, widely known as the "Point God," officially announced his retirement from the National Basketball Association (NBA) on Friday via a social media post, concluding an illustrious 21-season career. The 40-year-old had previously hinted that the current season would be his last, stating on Instagram, "This is it! After 21 years I'm stepping away from basketball."

Paul's career is marked by an extraordinary list of achievements, solidifying his status as one of the game's all-time greats. He earned 12 All-Star selections, was named to All-NBA teams 11 times, and secured a spot on the All-Defensive teams nine times. His accolades also include the 2006 Rookie of the Year award, two Olympic gold medals, and recognition as a member of the NBA's prestigious 75th Anniversary Team.

Statistically, Paul stands as a titan of the game, ranking second in NBA history with 12,552 assists and 2,728 steals. He was the first player ever to score at least 20,000 points while simultaneously recording at least 10,000 assists, a feat since matched only by LeBron James and Russell Westbrook.

His final chapter in the league saw him waived by the Toronto Raptors on Friday, following a trade from the LA Clippers on February 4. The Raptors had no intention of having Paul play for them and were actively looking to move him before the trade deadline. This situation fueled speculation about whether the Wake Forest legend would pursue a championship with another team, the one major accolade missing from his resume. His announcement definitively answered that question, as he cited a desire to devote more time to his family and other interests, having previously expressed regret about missing family events. "It's time for me to show up for others and in other ways," Paul shared.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver lauded Paul's impact, stating, "After 21 remarkable seasons, Chris Paul retires as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and a true steward of our sport." Silver praised Paul's "savvy playmaking skills, elite competitiveness and intense work ethic," and highlighted his significant contributions as President of the Players Association. In this role, Paul offered "thoughtful and principled perspectives" crucial for negotiating collective bargaining agreements, navigating the league through the COVID-19 pandemic, and addressing vital societal issues.

Paul is arguably the most accomplished player in LA Clippers franchise history, having led the team to six winning seasons from 2011-2017, including their first two Pacific Division titles and three playoff series victories. Despite a return to Los Angeles as a free agent last July, his tenure ended abruptly in early December, reportedly due to disagreements with Clippers coach Ty Lue. Paul's final NBA game was on December 1, and he later expressed being "at peace" with the separation.

Throughout his career, Paul played for various teams including New Orleans, Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Golden State, San Antonio, and the Clippers. His leadership extended beyond the court as the past president of the National Basketball Players Association, where he was instrumental in ensuring the league successfully navigated the 2020 "bubble" season and championed stronger ties between the NBA and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He is also one of only six players in NBA history to have amassed over $400 million in career earnings.

Paul reflected on his journey, stating in 2024, "I've been playing basketball since I was 4 years old, and there's nothing other than my family that brings me more joy than the hard work and all that stuff that goes into it." As one of only seven players to span at least 21 NBA seasons, Paul's legacy is undeniable. He is already a Hall of Famer as a member of the 2008 Olympic 'Redeem Team' (enshrined in the 2025 class), and his individual induction is widely anticipated.