Chris Paul's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Chris Paul.

Christopher Emmanuel Paul Sr., widely known as Chris Paul or "CP3", is a retired American professional basketball player considered one of the greatest point guards ever. His accolades include NBA Rookie of the Year, an NBA All-Star Game MVP, and two Olympic gold medals. He boasts five NBA assist titles and a record six steals titles. A 12-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection, and 9-time All-Defensive team member, he was also named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Paul served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013-2021. As one of the world's highest-paid athletes, he has endorsements with major brands like Jordan Brand and State Farm.

Sections (4)

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

2005: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2005, Chris Paul finished his debut season leading all rookies in total points, assists, steals, and double-doubles. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year, falling just one vote shy of winning the award unanimously.

2005: Drafted 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 start of his professional basketball career.

2007: Rookie Challenge Records

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

2007: Selected to first NBA All-Star Game

Chris Paul was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game in 2007–08, 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, NBA Steals and Assists Leader

In 2008, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors. In 2008, he also led the NBA in steals and assists.

2008: Finished second in NBA MVP voting

In 2008, Chris Paul finished second in NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting, highlighting his exceptional performance with the New Orleans Hornets.

2009: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors, NBA Steals and Assists Leader

In 2009, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors. In 2009, he also led the NBA in steals and assists.

2010: All-Star duo for Suns since 2010

In 2021, Chris Paul was selected to his 11th All-Star appearance. Paul and Devin Booker being named All-Stars made the first Suns duo since Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire in 2010 to be named All-Stars.

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

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

March 2, 2013: Wake Forest retired Paul's jersey

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

2013: NBA All-Star Game MVP

At the 2013 All-Star Game, Chris Paul led the West to victory with a 20-point and 15-assist performance, earning his first NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award.

2013: Ranked Among League's Best Players

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.

2014: NBA Assists Leader

In 2014, Chris Paul led the NBA in assists. He was also called the league's best point guard by ESPN's Kevin Pelton.

2014: Played All 82 Games For The First Time

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: NBA Assists Leader

In 2015, Chris Paul led the NBA in assists.

2015: Shooting Percentage Leader

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 since 2016

Chris Paul was selected to his 10th All-Star nod, and first since 2016, being named a Western Conference reserve.

2016: All-NBA Honor

In 2016, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honor.

2017: All-Defensive Honor

In 2017, Chris Paul earned All-Defensive honor.

2020: All-NBA Honor

In 2020, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honor.

2021: All-NBA Honor

In 2021, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honor.

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 accomplishments during his time at the university.

2021: Selected to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Chris Paul was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing his contributions to basketball.

October 23, 2022: Milestone 11,000 Assists

On October 23, 2022, Chris Paul recorded seven points, eight rebounds, and eleven assists in a win against the Los Angeles Clippers. This achievement made him one of only three players in NBA history with 11,000 assists.

2022: All-NBA Honor, NBA Assists Leader and Ranked Among NBA's Greatest Players

In 2022, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honor and also led the NBA in assists. Also in 2022, he was ranked as the 30th-greatest player in NBA history by The Athletic.

2022: Named a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game

On February 3, 2022, Chris Paul was named a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, marking another recognition of his contributions to the sport. In the same game, Paul recorded 18 points, 12 assists, and three steals in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

January 22, 2023: Return from Injury

On January 22, 2023, Chris Paul returned to the lineup after missing seven games due to a hip injury, contributing 22 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, and three steals in a win against the Memphis Grizzlies.