Chris Paul's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

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.

Sections (4)

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

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.

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.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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: 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.

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 NBA in assists

In 2015, Chris Paul led the NBA in assists.

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.

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.

2020: Earned All-NBA honors

In 2020, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors.

2021: Earned All-NBA honors

In 2021, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors.

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.

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.

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.

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.