History of Chris Paul in Timeline
Christopher Emmanuel Paul Sr., known as Chris Paul or "CP3", is a highly decorated American professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Widely considered one of the greatest point guards ever, his accolades 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 six times, earning selections to 12 All-Star teams, 11 All-NBA teams, and nine All-Defensive teams. In 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Paul also served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021 and has endorsement deals with major brands.
2 days ago : Chris Paul's Unexpected Clippers Exit: Retirement Hints and Team's Disastrous Season
Chris Paul and the Clippers are parting ways after a disastrous season. Hints of retirement are there. The Clippers' unexpected move signals a potential end to Paul's era with the team.
May 6, 1985: Christopher Emmanuel Paul Sr. Born
On May 6, 1985, Christopher Emmanuel Paul Sr., later known as "CP3" and "the Point God", was born. He would go on to become a professional basketball player in the NBA.
1993: NBA Finals Appearance
In 1993 Chris Paul advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in his career and the Suns' first appearance since 1993
2004: Played against his brother
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: Announced Intention to Turn Professional
On April 15, 2005, Chris Paul announced his intention to hire an agent and turn professional, leaving college basketball.
2005: Drafted by the New Orleans Hornets and NBA Rookie of the Year
In 2005, Chris Paul was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets and was named NBA Rookie of the Year. During his debut season, the Hornets played most of their games in Oklahoma City due to Hurricane Katrina.
2005: Drafted by 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 career.
2006: Debut for United States national team at FIBA World Championship
In 2006, Chris Paul debuted for the United States national team at the FIBA World Championship in Japan. He led the tournament with 44 assists and helped Team USA secure the bronze medal.
2007: Rookie Challenge Records
At the 2007 All-Star Weekend, Chris Paul set new Rookie Challenge records with 17 assists and 9 steals.
2007: First NBA All-Star Game
In 2007, Chris Paul was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game and played in front of his home fans in New Orleans. The Hornets finished the season with a franchise-record 56 wins.
December 17, 2008: NBA Record for Consecutive Games with Steal
On December 17, 2008, Chris Paul set the NBA record for consecutive games with a steal at 106.
2008: Missed All-NBA Honor
Chris Paul did not make the All-NBA team in 2008. In 2016-17, Paul missed All-NBA Honor, marking just the second time he failed to make an All-NBA team since 2008.
2008: Earned All-NBA and All-Defensive honors, led NBA in steals
In 2008, Chris Paul earned All-NBA and All-Defensive honors and 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 emergence as one of the league's top players.
2008: Key role in Olympics victory against Spain
In 2008, at the Olympics in Beijing, Chris Paul played a key role off the bench, scoring 13 points in a gold medal game victory against Spain, contributing to Team USA's perfect 8-0 record.
2008: Revealed that he is a Christian
In a 2008 interview, Chris Paul revealed that he is a Christian and attends church every Sunday whenever possible.
January 26, 2009: Near Quadruple-Double Against 76ers
On January 26, 2009, Chris Paul recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists, and 7 steals against the Philadelphia 76ers, almost achieving a quadruple-double.
2009: Hornets Fired Coach Byron Scott
After a slow start to the 2009-10 season, the Hornets fired coach Byron Scott.
2009: Earned All-NBA and All-Defensive honors, led NBA in steals and assists
In 2009, Chris Paul earned All-NBA and All-Defensive honors and led the NBA in steals and assists.
February 2010: Knee Injury
In early February 2010, Chris Paul tore cartilage in his left knee and was sidelined for over a month by surgery, forcing him to miss the All-Star Game.
2010: Western Conference Finals Appearance
In 2010 Chris Paul led the Suns to a 4-0 series sweep over the Nuggets for their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2010
2010: All-Star Appearance
In 2010, Paul and Booker were the first Suns duo since Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire to be named All-Stars.
2010: Concussion
In 2010-11, Chris Paul suffered a concussion on March 6 after colliding with Cavaliers guard Ramon Sessions.
September 10, 2011: Married Jada Crawley
On September 10, 2011, Chris Paul married his college sweetheart, Jada Crawley.
November 11, 2011: Appeared on Family Feud with his family
On November 11, 2011, Chris Paul appeared with his family on "Family Feud".
December 8, 2011: Proposed Trade to Lakers Nullified
On December 8, 2011, a three-team trade that would have sent Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers was nullified by the NBA.
2011: Trade to Lakers Voided, Traded to Clippers
During the 2011 offseason, a trade that would have sent Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers was controversially voided by the NBA. He was instead traded to the Los Angeles Clippers later that year.
2011: Earned All-NBA and All-Defensive honors, led NBA in steals
In 2011, Chris Paul earned All-NBA and All-Defensive honors, and led the NBA in steals.
2012: Bought a mansion in Bel Air
In 2012, Chris Paul bought a Mediterranean-style mansion in Bel Air from Avril Lavigne for $8.5 million.
2012: Starting point guard at the London Olympics
In 2012, Chris Paul was the starting point guard for the United States at the Olympics in London, where he averaged 8.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, contributing to another gold medal and an undefeated tournament.
2012: Drafted Austin Rivers
In 2012, the Minnesota Timberwolves' unprotected first-round pick was used to draft Austin Rivers.
March 2, 2013: Wake Forest Retired Jersey
On March 2, 2013, Wake Forest retired Chris Paul's jersey, honoring his contributions to the university's basketball program.
August 21, 2013: Selected 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
At the 2013 All-Star Game, Chris Paul earned his first NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award after leading the West to victory.
2013: President of the National Basketball Players Association
In 2013, Chris Paul was elected as the president of the National Basketball Players Association, a position he held until 2021.
2013: Ranked as the 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 the league in assisted three-pointers
In 2013, Chris Paul was second in the league in assisted three-pointers.
2013: Re-signed 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 the banning of Clippers owner Donald Sterling
In 2014, Chris Paul played a key role in the banning of Clippers owner Donald Sterling from the NBA following Sterling's racist remarks.
2014: ESPN's Kevin Pelton called Paul the league's best point guard, led NBA in assists
In 2014, ESPN's Kevin Pelton called Chris Paul the league's best point guard and Chris Paul led NBA in assists.
2014: Played All 82 Games
In 2014-15, Chris Paul played in all 82 games for the first time in his career.
2015: Led the league in shooting percentage from the right elbow
In 2015, Chris Paul led the league in shooting percentage from the right elbow.
2015: Led Clippers on a 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-Star Nod
In 2016 Chris Paul was selected to his 10th All-Star nod.
2016: Earned All-NBA and All-Defensive honors
In 2016, Chris Paul earned All-NBA and All-Defensive honors.
2016: Missed All-NBA Honor
In 2016-17, at the season's end, 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 and the first time in his six years as a Clipper.
June 28, 2017: Traded to Houston Rockets
On June 28, 2017, Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets from the Los Angeles Clippers for Patrick Beverley, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Lou Williams, Kyle Wiltjer, a future first-round pick, and cash considerations. The Clippers traded Paul as they were unwilling to offer him a contract extension, and Paul opted into the final year of his contract to facilitate the trade, with interest in playing alongside James Harden.
2017: Debuts for Rockets
In 2017, Chris Paul debuted for the Rockets in their season-opening win over the defending champion Golden State Warriors. He scored only four points, played through a knee injury, and later missed 14 games. When healthy, he helped establish Houston as a championship contender.
2017: Earned All-Defensive honors
In 2017, Chris Paul earned All-Defensive honors.
January 26, 2018: Scores Season-High 38 Points
On January 26, 2018, Chris Paul scored a season-high 38 points in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans while playing for the Houston Rockets.
July 8, 2018: Signs 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 a minority ownership stake in the 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 Oklahoma City Thunder
On July 16, 2019, Chris Paul was traded by the Rockets to the Oklahoma City Thunder along with draft picks and swaps in exchange for Russell Westbrook.
2019: Became vegan
In 2019, Chris Paul became a vegan and is a brand ambassador for Beyond Meat.
2019: Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder
In 2019, Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a package for Russell Westbrook.
November 16, 2020: Traded to Phoenix Suns
On November 16, 2020, Chris Paul was traded by the Thunder to the Phoenix Suns with Abdel Nader for Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque, and a 2022 first-round pick.
2020: Traded to Phoenix Suns
In 2020, Chris Paul was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he would reach the NBA Finals for the first time in his career in 2021.
February 1, 2021: Scores Season-High 34 Points
On February 1, 2021, Chris Paul scored a season-high 34 points, along with nine rebounds and nine assists, in a close win over the Dallas Mavericks while playing for the Phoenix Suns.
August 7, 2021: Signs 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 as a member of the Phoenix Suns.
2021: Inducted into Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame
In 2021, Chris Paul was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding athletic achievements at the university.
2021: Selected to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Chris Paul was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his place as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
January 24, 2022: Scores 27 Points Against the Utah Jazz
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: Joins Elite Assist Club
On October 23, 2022, Chris Paul recorded seven points, eight rebounds and eleven assists in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers, joining John Stockton and Jason Kidd as the only players in NBA history with 11,000 assists.
December 2022: Graduated 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 All-Star Game
In 2022, Chris Paul was named a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game. On February 16, Paul broke his right thumb in a game against the Houston Rockets, just before the All-Star break.
2022: Named as the 30th-greatest player in NBA history and earned All-NBA honors, led NBA in assists
In 2022, Chris Paul was named the 30th-greatest player in NBA history by The Athletic for the NBA's 75th Anniversary, earned All-NBA honors, and led the NBA in assists.
2022: Draft Pick
In 2022, Chris Paul was part of a trade that involved the 2022 protected first-round pick.
January 22, 2023: Returns to Lineup After Hip Injury
On January 22, 2023, Chris Paul returned to the lineup after missing seven games with a hip injury, scoring 22 points and providing 11 assists in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
June 2023: Published memoir titled Sixty One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court
In June 2023, Chris Paul published a memoir, titled "Sixty One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court". The book recalls Paul's childhood, his relationship with his grandfather, his basketball careers, and stories from his professional NBA career.
June 24, 2023: Traded to Washington Wizards
On June 24, 2023, Chris Paul was traded by the Suns to the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Isaiah Todd.
January 5, 2024: Fractures Left Hand
On January 5, 2024, Chris Paul fractured his left hand in a game against the Detroit Pistons, requiring surgery, but was expected to return later in the season.
June 30, 2024: Waived by the Wizards
On June 30, 2024, Chris Paul was waived by the Wizards and became a free agent.
July 7, 2024: Signs with San Antonio Spurs
On July 7, 2024, Chris Paul signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs. He chose to sign with them because he wanted playing time.
December 8, 2024: Paul Passed Kidd for Second All-Time 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.
February 20, 2025: Paul Passes Kidd for Second All-Time in Career Steals
On February 20, 2025 Chris Paul passed Jason Kidd for second all-time in career steals.
July 21, 2025: Returns to Los Angeles Clippers
On July 21, 2025, Chris Paul signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract to return to the Los Angeles Clippers for his 21st season in the NBA.
2025: Returned to the Los Angeles Clippers
In 2025, Chris Paul returned to the Los Angeles Clippers, marking a reunion with his former team.
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