Chris Paul announces retirement after being waived by Raptors
Chris Paul is stepping away from the NBA for good after more than two decades in the league.
The 12-time All Star who played a key role in the Clippers’ “Lob City” era made the announcement Friday shortly after being waived by the Toronto Raptors.
“This is it! After over 21 years, I’m stepping away from basketball,” Paul wrote in a lengthy statement posted to his Instagram account.
“As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel, but for once – most people would be surprised – I don’t have the answer lol! But most of all, I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude! Although this chapter of ‘NBA player’ is over, basketball will forever be etched into the DNA of my life.
Paul was selected fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 draft and was named NBA Rookie of the Year the following season. Playing for the Clippers from 2011 to 2017, Paul and Blake Griffin led the team to six winning seasons, its first two Pacific Division titles and three playoff victories.
He went on to play for the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs before signing a $3.6 million contract to return to the Clippers last summer for what was expected to be his final season.
The reunion didn’t go so well. Paul was abruptly fired by the Clippers in early December, traded to the Raptors on February 4 and then not required to report to his new team.
Paul ranks second in NBA history with 12,552 assists and 2,728 steals. He was the first player to have at least 20,000 points and more than 10,000 assists.
Although he hasn’t fully revealed what his “next chapter” will be, Paul did say it will involve spending more time with his wife Jada, son Chris and daughter Camryn.
“Playing basketball for a living has been an incredible blessing that also comes with many responsibilities,” Paul wrote. “I’ve accepted it all. The good and the bad. As a lifelong learner, leadership is hard and not for the weak. Some people will like you and a lot of people won’t like you. But the goal has always been the goal, and my intentions have always been sincere (Damn, I love competing!!)”
He added in his lengthy note: “The game has always given me a reason to show up!!! And true leaders and fighters know that this here – showing up – is half the battle. So now, with all the gratitude I could possibly have… it’s time for me to show up for others and in other ways. … And I now know with all my heart that the best teammate I can be is to Jada, Chris II and Cam!!”
