NBA Legend Chris Paul Retires After 21 Seasons

The Wake Forest alum and Winston-Salem native leaves behind an indelible mark on the game of basketball.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Chris Paul, one of the most accomplished point guards in NBA history, has announced his retirement after a legendary 21-year career. The Wake Forest alum and Winston-Salem native was a 10-time NBA All-Star, 4-time All-NBA First Team selection, and 9-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. Known as 'CP3' and 'The Point God,' Paul is second in NBA history in both assists and steals. He was also a 2-time Olympic gold medalist. Paul's impact extended beyond the court, as he was a dedicated supporter of his alma maters, West Forsyth High School and Wake Forest University.

Why it matters

Chris Paul's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the most iconic point guards of his generation. As a local legend from Winston-Salem, Paul's career was deeply intertwined with the community that raised him. His accomplishments and leadership on the court, as well as his commitment to giving back, have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Demon Deacons and NBA players of all time.

The details

Paul was a standout player at Wake Forest, earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 2004 and leading the Demon Deacons to a No. 1 national ranking in 2005. He was selected 4th overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 NBA Draft and went on to have a Hall of Fame career, playing for the Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, Spurs, and Clippers again. Along the way, he was a 10-time All-Star, 4-time All-NBA First Team selection, and 9-time All-Defensive Team member. Paul also won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2008 and 2012.

  • Paul announced his retirement on February 13, 2026.
  • He played his final NBA season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Raptors, and Spurs from 2025-2026.

The players

Chris Paul

A 21-year NBA veteran and one of the greatest point guards in league history. Paul was a 10-time All-Star, 4-time All-NBA First Team selection, and 9-time All-Defensive Team member. He is second in NBA history in both assists and steals.

Wake Forest University

Paul's alma mater, where he played from 2003-2005 and led the Demon Deacons to a No. 1 national ranking in 2005.

West Forsyth High School

Paul's high school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he was a standout player before going on to star at Wake Forest and in the NBA.

Nathaniel 'Papa Chilly' Jones

Paul's beloved grandfather, who was a pillar of the Winston-Salem community and was tragically murdered in 2002, the day after Paul committed to play at Wake Forest.

Skip Prosser

The head coach of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during Paul's time there, who praised Paul's natural leadership and instincts as a player.

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What they’re saying

“Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility. I embraced it all. The good and the bad.”

— Chris Paul (Chris Paul's retirement announcement)

“I think he's a natural leader. He possesses a good understanding of when to hold 'em, when to fold 'em, when to be aggressive with the ball and when to pull it out. We just tell him to follow his instincts, and his instincts are, generally speaking, very good.”

— Skip Prosser, Wake Forest Head Coach (The Sporting News)

“I've said before and I'll say it again, he's one of the most selfless players I've ever coached. And for that, he's also one of the most popular among his teammates.”

— Skip Prosser, Wake Forest Head Coach (The Sporting News)

“If it were not for the city of New Orleans, I'm not who I am now. They just embrace you as family.”

— Chris Paul (Yahoo! Sports)

“Great group of guys, hell of a season. But this one's gonna hurt for a while.”

— Chris Paul (Arizona Sports)

What’s next

Paul's legacy will continue to be celebrated at Wake Forest, where his No. 3 jersey hangs in the rafters alongside other Demon Deacon greats. He has also pledged to stay involved with the program, recently working out with the current team and inspiring them to find their own voice.

The takeaway

Chris Paul's retirement marks the end of one of the most illustrious careers in NBA history. As a local hero from Winston-Salem, Paul's impact extended far beyond the basketball court, as he remained deeply connected to his alma maters and the community that raised him. His leadership, selflessness, and commitment to excellence have cemented his status as one of the greatest point guards and Demon Deacons of all time.