Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Chris Paul

Discover the career path of Chris Paul, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Christopher Emmanuel Paul, known as CP3, is a highly decorated American professional basketball player currently with the San Antonio Spurs. Celebrated as one of the greatest point guards ever, his achievements include NBA Rookie of the Year, an All-Star Game MVP, and two Olympic gold medals. He has led the NBA in assists five times and steals a record six times. Paul's accolades include 12 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA teams, and nine All-Defensive teams. He was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. He served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021. He is also one of the highest-paid athletes globally, endorsing brands like Jordan and State Farm.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

April 15, 2005: Decision to Turn Professional

On April 15, 2005, Chris Paul announced that he would hire an agent and turn professional, leaving Wake Forest University.

2005: NBA Rookie of the Year Award

In 2005, Chris Paul was named NBA Rookie of the Year, capping off a stellar debut season with the New Orleans Hornets.

2005: NBA Draft and Hornets Debut

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

2007: Rookie Challenge Records

During the 2007 All-Star Weekend, Chris Paul set new Rookie Challenge records with 17 assists and 9 steals, showcasing his exceptional skills.

2007: First NBA All-Star Game Selection

In 2007, 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, demonstrating his defensive prowess.

2008: Last Missed All-NBA Honor

The 2016-17 NBA season marked the first time since 2008 that Chris Paul failed to make an All-NBA team.

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.

December 8, 2011: Lakers Trade Voided

On December 8, 2011, a trade sending Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers was nullified by the NBA.

2011: Trade to Clippers After Lakers Deal Veto

In 2011, after a controversially voided trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Chris Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.

2012: Trade to Los Angeles Clippers Completed

In December 2011, the trade sending Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers was completed after initial setbacks, marking a new phase in his career starting in 2012.

March 2, 2013: Wake Forest Jersey Retirement

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

August 21, 2013: Paul Elected NBPA President

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

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: NBA All-Star Game MVP Award

In 2013, Chris Paul earned his first NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award with a 20-point and 15-assist performance.

2013: Re-signing with the Clippers

Prior to the start of the 2013-14 season, Chris Paul re-signed with the Clippers for five years.

2014: Key Role in Banning Donald Sterling

In 2014, Chris Paul played a key role in the NBA's decision to ban Clippers owner Donald Sterling following Sterling's racist remarks. Paul even suggested a possible boycott if Sterling continued to own the team in 2014.

2014: First Time Playing All 82 Games

In 2014-15, 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 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 key players due to injury.

2016: Missed All-NBA Honor

At the end of the 2016-17 season, Chris Paul was not rewarded with an All-NBA honor, marking just the second time he failed to make an All-NBA team since 2008.

June 28, 2017: Trade to Houston Rockets

On June 28, 2017, Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets, teaming up with James Harden.

2017: Trade to 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 first season.

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: Purchased stake in Winston-Salem Dash

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

July 16, 2019: Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 16, 2019, Chris Paul was traded by the Houston Rockets to the Oklahoma City Thunder along with draft picks and swaps in exchange for Russell Westbrook.