History of Chris Paul in Timeline

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Chris Paul

Chris Paul, nicknamed "CP3" and "the Point God", is a highly decorated American professional basketball player currently playing for the San Antonio Spurs. Considered among the greatest point guards ever, he boasts an NBA Rookie of the Year Award, an All-Star Game MVP Award, and two Olympic gold medals. Paul has led the NBA in assists five times and steals a record six times. He's a 12-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA team selection, and 9-time All-Defensive team selection. In 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He also served as the president of the National Basketball Players Association (2013-2021). Paul is also a highly-paid athlete with endorsements from Jordan Brand and State Farm.

May 6, 1985: Christopher Emmanuel Paul's Birth

On May 6, 1985, Christopher Emmanuel Paul, nicknamed "CP3" and "the Point God," was born. He is now a professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1993: Suns' First NBA Finals Appearance Since 1993

In 1993, the Suns advanced to the NBA Finals, marking their first appearance since 1993.

2004: Game Against Brother C.J.

In 2004, Chris Paul played against his brother, C.J., when Wake Forest had a preseason exhibition with USC Upstate.

January 15, 2005: Victory Over North Carolina

On January 15, 2005, Chris Paul scored 26 points and had eight assists in a victory over rival North Carolina.

April 15, 2005: Turning Professional

On April 15, 2005, Chris Paul announced that he would be hiring an agent and turning professional, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

2005: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2005, Chris Paul was named NBA Rookie of the Year after leading all rookies in total points, assists, steals, and double-doubles. The Hornets played most of their games in Oklahoma City due to Hurricane Katrina.

2005: Selected by the New Orleans Hornets

In 2005, Chris Paul was selected as the fourth overall pick in the NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets, marking the beginning of his professional basketball career.

2006: FIBA World Championship Debut

In 2006, Chris Paul debuted for the United States national team at the FIBA World Championship in Japan, where he achieved a tournament-high of 44 assists and contributed to Team USA's bronze medal win.

2007: All-Star Weekend Records

At the 2007 NBA All-Star Weekend, Chris Paul set new Rookie Challenge records with 17 assists and 9 steals.

2007: First NBA All-Star Game Selection

In the 2007-08 season, Chris Paul was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game, playing in front of his home fans in New Orleans.

December 17, 2008: NBA Record for Consecutive Games with a Steal

On December 17, 2008, Chris Paul set the NBA record for consecutive games with a steal at 106.

2008: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors

In 2008, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors for the first time, and he led the NBA in steals for the first time.

2008: Second in MVP Voting

In 2008, Chris Paul finished second in NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting, highlighting his outstanding performance and impact on the New Orleans Hornets.

2008: Christian Faith

In 2008, Chris Paul revealed that he is a Christian and attends church every Sunday whenever possible.

2008: Beijing Olympics Gold Medal

In 2008, at the Beijing Olympics, Chris Paul played a key role off the bench, scoring 13 points in a gold medal game victory against Spain. Team USA finished the competition with a perfect 8–0 record.

2008: Last All-NBA honor

Since 2008, Chris Paul has received more All-NBA honors

January 26, 2009: Near Quadruple-Double Performance

On January 26, 2009, Chris Paul nearly recorded a quadruple-double against the Philadelphia 76ers, with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists, and 7 steals.

2009: Firing of Coach Byron Scott

After a slow start to the 2009-10 season, the Hornets fired coach Byron Scott, which led to controversy when Chris Paul voiced his displeasure.

2009: Continued All-NBA, All-Defensive, and Steals Leadership

In 2009, Chris Paul continued to earn All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors, and he again led the NBA in steals and assists.

February 2010: Knee Injury and All-Star Game Absence

In early February 2010, Chris Paul tore cartilage in his left knee and was sidelined for over a month by surgery, causing him to miss the All-Star Game.

2010: Suns Duo Named All-Stars

In 2010, Chris Paul and Devin Booker were named as All-Stars, making them the first Suns duo to be named All-Stars since Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire.

2010: Western Conference Finals Appearance

In 2010, Chris Paul recorded 17 points, 15 assists, and 0 turnovers in a 123–98 victory.

2010: Concussion Injury

In 2010-11, Chris Paul suffered a concussion on March 6 after colliding with Cavaliers guard Ramon Sessions. He was carried off the court on a stretcher, but returned two games later.

September 10, 2011: Marriage to Jada Crawley

On September 10, 2011, Chris Paul married his college sweetheart, Jada Crawley.

November 11, 2011: Appearance on Family Feud

On November 11, 2011, Chris Paul appeared with his family on "Family Feud".

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December 8, 2011: Lakers Trade Nullified

On December 8, 2011, the Hornets agreed to a three-team trade sending Chris Paul to the Lakers, but the NBA nullified the deal.

2011: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors, Steals Leadership

In 2011, Chris Paul received All-NBA honors, All-Defensive honors, and led the NBA in steals.

2011: Trade to Los Angeles Clippers

In 2011, Chris Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers after a previous deal with the Los Angeles Lakers was voided, marking a significant change in his career.

2012: London Olympics Gold Medal

In 2012, Chris Paul was the starting point guard at the London Olympics, averaging 8.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, leading Team USA to another gold medal and an undefeated tournament.

2012: Draft pick for Austin Rivers

In 2012, the Minnesota Timberwolves' unprotected first-round pick from the trade, was used to draft Austin Rivers

March 2, 2013: Wake Forest Jersey Retirement

On March 2, 2013, Wake Forest retired Chris Paul's jersey, honoring his contributions to the university's basketball program.

August 21, 2013: Elected President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)

On August 21, 2013, Chris Paul was selected president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), after serving on the executive committee for four years.

2013: NBA All-Star Game MVP Award

At the 2013 All-Star Game, Chris Paul led the West to victory, earning his first NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award.

2013: President of the National Basketball Players Association

In 2013, Chris Paul became the president of the National Basketball Players Association, a position he held until 2021.

2013: Ranked third-best player in the league

In 2013, Chris Paul was ranked as the third-best player in the league by ESPN and Sports Illustrated.

2013: Second in assisted three-pointers

In 2013, Chris Paul was second in the league in assisted three-pointers, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

2013: Contract Re-signing with Clippers

Prior to the start of the 2013-14 season, Chris Paul re-signed with the Clippers for five years, on a contract worth approximately $107 million.

2014: Key Figure in Banning Donald Sterling

In 2014, Chris Paul played a key role in the banning of Clippers owner Donald Sterling from the NBA following racist remarks Sterling made.

2014: ESPN's Kevin Pelton calls Paul the league's best point guard and led the NBA in assists

In 2014, ESPN's Kevin Pelton called Chris Paul the league's best point guard, and he led the NBA in assists.

2014: Played in All 82 Games

In the 2014-15 season, Chris Paul played in all 82 games for the first time in his career, averaging 19.1 points and a league-high 10.2 assists per game.

2015: Led the NBA in assists

In 2015, Chris Paul led the NBA in assists.

2015: League leader in shooting percentage from the right elbow

In 2015, Chris Paul led the league in shooting percentage from the right elbow, demonstrating his proficiency as a deft midrange shooter.

2015: Led Clippers on Ten-Game Winning Streak

In January of the 2015-16 season, Chris Paul led the Clippers on a ten-game winning streak despite missing Griffin and Jordan at various points due to injury.

2016: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors

In 2016, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors.

2016: All-Star Nod

In 2016, Chris Paul was selected for his 10th All-Star nod.

2016: Missed All-NBA Honor

In 2016-17, Chris Paul missed 21 regular season games due to rest or injury and at season's end, Paul was not rewarded with an All-NBA honor.

June 28, 2017: Traded to the Houston Rockets

On June 28, 2017, Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for multiple players and draft picks. Paul wanted to play with James Harden and opted into his contract to facilitate the trade.

2017: Rockets Debut

In 2017, Chris Paul debuted for the Houston Rockets with a win over the Golden State Warriors. During the game, he played through a knee injury.

2017: All-Defensive Honors

In 2017, Chris Paul received All-Defensive honors.

2017: Trade to the Houston Rockets

In 2017, Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he helped the team achieve a franchise-record 65 wins in his debut season.

January 26, 2018: Season-High 38 Points

On January 26, 2018, Chris Paul scored a season-high 38 points in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, though the Rockets lost the game.

July 8, 2018: Signed Contract Extension with Rockets

On July 8, 2018, Chris Paul signed a four-year, $160 million maximum contract extension with the Houston Rockets.

2018: Minority ownership in Winston-Salem Dash

In 2018, Chris Paul purchased a minority ownership stake in the Winston-Salem Dash, a minor league baseball team located in his hometown.

July 16, 2019: Traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 16, 2019, Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder by the Rockets in exchange for Russell Westbrook, two protected first-round draft picks, and two first-round pick swaps.

2019: Vegan Lifestyle and Beyond Meat Partnership

In 2019, Chris Paul became vegan and a brand ambassador for Beyond Meat.

2019: Trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2019, Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a package for Russell Westbrook, marking another transition in his career.

November 16, 2020: Traded to Phoenix Suns

On November 16, 2020, Chris Paul was traded by the Thunder to the Phoenix Suns along with Abdel Nader for multiple players and a 2022 protected first-round pick.

2020: All-NBA Honors

In 2020, Chris Paul was recognized with All-NBA honors.

2020: Trade to the Phoenix Suns

In 2020, Chris Paul was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he reached the NBA Finals for the first time in his career in 2021.

February 1, 2021: Season-High Points and Assists

On February 1, 2021, Chris Paul had a season-high 34 points along with nine rebounds and nine assists in a win over the Dallas Mavericks.

August 7, 2021: Signed Contract Extension with Suns

On August 7, 2021, Chris Paul signed a four-year contract extension with the Phoenix Suns worth up to $120 million.

2021: Reached NBA Finals with Phoenix Suns

In 2021, Chris Paul reached the NBA Finals for the first time in his career with the Phoenix Suns.

2021: All-NBA Honors

In 2021, Chris Paul received All-NBA honors.

2021: Inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame

In 2021, Chris Paul was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame, further solidifying his legacy at the university.

2021: Selected to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Chris Paul was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing his outstanding career and achievements in basketball.

January 24, 2022: 27 Points, Nine Rebounds and 14 Assists

On January 24, 2022, Chris Paul scored 27 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out 14 assists in a 115–109 win against the Utah Jazz.

October 23, 2022: Joined 11,000 Assists Club

On October 23, 2022, Chris Paul recorded eleven assists in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers and became the first player in the league with 20,000 points and 11,000 assists.

December 2022: Graduation from Winston-Salem State University

In December 2022, Chris Paul graduated from Winston-Salem State University with his bachelor's degree in communications.

2022: Named Reserve for NBA All-Star Game

In 2022, Before the game, Chris Paul was named a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game. Paul reached his 50th career game with 10 assists or more with no turnovers.

2022: All-NBA Honors and Assists Leadership

In 2022, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors and led the NBA in assists.

2022: Protected First-Round Pick

In 2022, Chris Paul was traded to the Phoenix Suns with a protected first-round pick.

January 22, 2023: Return to Lineup After Injury

On January 22, 2023, Chris Paul returned to the lineup after missing seven games, contributing 22 points and 11 assists in a win against the Memphis Grizzlies.

June 2023: Publication of Memoir

In June 2023, Chris Paul published a memoir, titled "Sixty One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court".

June 24, 2023: Traded to the Washington Wizards

On June 24, 2023, Chris Paul was traded by the Suns to the Washington Wizards along with Landry Shamet, four first-round pick swaps, and six second-round draft picks for Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Isaiah Todd.

January 5, 2024: Fractured Left Hand

On January 5, 2024, Chris Paul fractured his left hand during a game against the Detroit Pistons, requiring surgery and sidelining him for a period.

June 30, 2024: Waived by the Wizards

On June 30, 2024, Chris Paul was waived by the Washington Wizards, becoming a free agent.

July 7, 2024: Signed with San Antonio Spurs

On July 7, 2024, Chris Paul signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs.

December 8, 2024: Passed Kidd for Second in Career Assists

On December 8, 2024, Chris Paul passed Jason Kidd for second all-time in career assists.

2024: Signed with San Antonio Spurs

In 2024, Chris Paul signed with the San Antonio Spurs, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.

February 20, 2025: Passed Kidd for Second in Career Steals

On February 20, 2025, Chris Paul passed Jason Kidd for second all-time in career steals.