Chris Paul Climbs to Second on NBA All-Time Assists List
On a memorable night, Chris Paul etched his name deeper into NBA history, solidifying his stature as one of the greatest facilitators the game has ever seen. By surpassing none other than the legendary Jason Kidd, Paul leapfrogged to the second slot on the NBA's all-time career assists list—an accolade that is as much about talent as it is about longevity and perseverance.
Paul, the consummate point guard, accumulated 12,099 assists throughout his distinguished career, with the historic 12,092nd assist marking his surpassing of Kidd. The Hampden, North Carolina native stands now second only to John Stockton, whose seemingly insurmountable record of 15,806 assists remains secure, at least for the time being. As Kidd, now the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, aptly pointed out, "I don't know if he can catch [John] Stockton. I don't think anyone can catch Stockton. Stockton's numbers are pretty impressive but for Chris to be second, that's big time."
A Testament to Consistency and Skill
What sets Chris Paul apart is not just his raw numbers, though they are impressive—22,000 points, 12,000 assists, 5,000 rebounds, and 2,000 steals—but the manner in which he has achieved them. Paul's career is a testament to the power of patience, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to teamwork. Always the playmaker, Paul has been a critical piece of every team he’s been a part of, from the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans, where he started his career, to the Phoenix Suns, where he has continued to demonstrate his undiminished prowess as a floor general at 39 years of age and in his 20th NBA season.
This recent milestone was accomplished in a game culminating in a narrow 121-116 victory for the San Antonio Spurs over the New Orleans Pelicans. The achievement was doubly sweet given its significance, helping his team secure a win while adding another feather to his already crowded cap.
A Humble Acknowledgment
Post-game, Chris Paul took the opportunity to extend a heartfelt message to those who have supported him thus far. "I can't say nothing but thank you man. Seriously, I know I'm hard to deal with a lot of times, I swear man I'm so grateful. To be away from my family, ya'll became my family. I know I'm a lot to deal with on the court. But I just love to hoop, and I hope that ya'll get this opportunity to play as long as I have. Thank ya'll so much," Paul expressed, revealing a layer of vulnerability and gratitude that endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
The hallmark of an exceptional point guard is not just their ability to set the play, but to raise the level of everyone around them. Paul’s career has been defined by this ability. As Kidd highlighted, "Well deserved. Incredible for a future Hall of Famer. Had a lot of games where he set the table for open teammates. Had a lot of great teammates. For assists, you need a partner. Congratulations to him and what he's accomplished."
A Legacy Cemented
Paul's legacy is already cemented, and any achievements from this point forward only further accentuate his illustrious career. His climb to second on the all-time assists list isn’t just about overtaking a former great but about embodying a spirit of excellence and setting an example for future generations.
Tip-off to buzzer, Chris Paul has proven to be a paragon of consistency, skill, and tenacity. Even as age and the natural pace of the game inch him towards the twilight of his playing days, his passion remains unchanged. As he continues to add chapters to his storied career, fans of the game will undoubtedly savor each assist, each point, and every glimpse of the master at work, knowing well that they are witnessing history in the making.