Chris Paul's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Chris Paul, nicknamed "CP3" and "the Point God", is a highly decorated American professional basketball player currently with the San Antonio Spurs. Celebrated as 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 a record six times. A 12-time 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 the president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021. He is also among the highest-paid athletes globally with major endorsements.

Sections (4)

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

2005: Named NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2005, after being drafted by the New Orleans Hornets, Chris Paul was named NBA Rookie of the Year with averages of 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.

2006: Debut for United States national team

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

2007: All-Star Weekend Rookie Challenge Records

During 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

In 2007, Chris Paul was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game, playing in New Orleans. Behind his leadership, the Hornets finished the season with a franchise-record 56 wins and the second seed in the West.

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: Olympics in Beijing

During the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Chris Paul played a key role off the bench. He scored 13 points in the gold medal game against Spain, contributing to Team USA's perfect 8-0 record and gold medal victory.

2008: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors

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

2008: Runner-up for NBA MVP Award

In 2008, Chris Paul finished second in NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting while playing for the New Orleans Hornets.

2008: All-NBA team selection

In 2008, Chris Paul was named to his first All-NBA team.

January 26, 2009: Near Quadruple-Double Against Philadelphia 76ers

On January 26, 2009, Chris Paul recorded a 27-point, 10-rebound, 15-assist, and 7-steal game against the Philadelphia 76ers, nearly achieving a quadruple-double.

2009: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors and Leading NBA in Steals and Assists

In 2009, Chris Paul received All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors again. He also led the NBA in both steals and assists.

2011: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors and Leading NBA in Steals

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

2012: Olympics in London

In 2012, at the Olympics in London, Chris Paul started as point guard, averaging 8.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He led Team USA to another gold medal and an undefeated tournament.

March 2, 2013: Wake Forest Jersey Retired

On March 2, 2013, Wake Forest retired Chris Paul's jersey.

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: Ranked second in assisted three-pointers

In 2013, Chris Paul was ranked second in the league in assisted three-pointers, showcasing his playmaking abilities.

2013: NBA All-Star Game MVP Award

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

2014: Led NBA in Steals and Assists, Ranked as best point guard by ESPN

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

2014: Played all 82 games and led the league in assists

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 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, showcasing his proficiency as a midrange shooter.

2015: Led Clippers on Winning Streak Despite Injuries

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

2016: All-Star Nod

In 2016 Chris Paul received an All-Star Nod, which was before he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 16, 2019

2016: All-NBA and All-Defensive Honors

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

2017: All-Defensive Honors

In 2017, Chris Paul received All-Defensive honors.

2020: All-NBA Honors

In 2020, Chris Paul received All-NBA honors.

2021: NBA Finals appearance 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. He also helped the team win a franchise-record 64 games the following season.

2021: All-NBA Honors

In 2021, Chris Paul was awarded All-NBA honors.

2021: Inducted into Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame

In 2021, Chris Paul was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame.

2021: Selected to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Chris Paul was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

October 23, 2022: Joined Elite Assist Club

On October 23, 2022, Chris Paul recorded seven points, eight rebounds and eleven assists in an 112–95 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, joining John Stockton and Jason Kidd as the only players in NBA history with 11,000 assists.

2022: All-NBA Honors, Led NBA in assists, Named one of the greatest NBA players

In 2022, Chris Paul earned All-NBA honors and led the NBA in assists. He was also ranked as the 30th-greatest player in NBA history by The Athletic to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary.

2022: Named Reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game

In 2022, Chris Paul was named a reserve for the 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. On March 24, Paul returned from a broken right wrist to help the Suns wrap up the top seed in the NBA playoffs with a 140–130 victory over the Denver Nuggets.