Chris Paul: Get to know the greatest point guard of all time

Here is all you need to know about Chris Paul, the Golden State Warriors player and one of the NBA's greatest point guards of all time

Who is Chris Paul?

Chris Paul, born on May 6, 1985, is a renowned NBA superstar known for his exceptional skills as a point guard. Paul's illustrious career began when he was selected fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 NBA Draft. His impact was immediate, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Over the years, Paul has been a beacon of consistency and leadership on the court, showcasing an impressive combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess. His basketball IQ and court vision have made him one of the league's premier point guards. Nicknamed CP3 and ‘Point God’, Paul has played for various teams, including the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Phoenix Suns.

A multiple-time NBA All-Star and All-NBA Team selection, Chris Paul has left an indelible mark on the league, earning respect for his tenacity, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game. Off the court, he is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts and involvement in community initiatives, solidifying his status as a well-rounded athlete and role model.

Where is Chris Paul from?

Chris Paul is from Winston-Salem, a city in Forsyth County, North Carolina, USA. While he was born there, he grew up in the smaller, quieter environs of Lewisville.

Are Chris Paul and Rich Paul related?

Despite sharing the same last name and both making major waves in the world of sports, NBA superstar Chris Paul and renowned sports agent Rich Paul are not related.

Born in Cleveland in 1981, Rich Paul's journey to the top of the sports agent game is an inspiring story of hard work and dedication. He co-founded Klutch Sports Group in 2012, and his impact has been undeniable. Paul is most known for his long-standing relationship with NBA icon LeBron James, shaping James' career with his shrewd negotiations and unwavering support. 

Klutch Sports, under Paul's leadership, has secured multi-billion dollar contracts for its clients, solidifying Paul's position as one of the most influential figures in sports management.

Are Chris Paul and LeBron James related?

No, Chris Paul and LeBron James are not biologically related in any way. 

However, though not bound by blood or jersey, LeBron James and Chris Paul share a storied history as NBA superstars. Their connection, forged in college days, has weathered epic playoff clashes, All-Star showdowns, and off-court camaraderie. This unique rivalry-turned-friendship has cemented them as one of the league's most captivating duos.

Their journey began on opposite sides of the collegiate hardwood, James at Akron and Paul at Wake Forest. Both quickly established themselves as elite talents, drawing constant comparisons. Drafted in 2003 and 2005 respectively, their paths diverged across the league, yet their bond remained.

Years of on-court battles saw James often emerge victorious in the playoffs, while Paul dominated their All-Star encounters. But beyond the scoreboards, a deep friendship blossomed. Their playful trash-talk during games showcased the genuine respect and camaraderie beneath the competitive fire.

Rumours of Paul potentially joining the Lakers in 2023 fueled speculation of a dream team-up. While it didn't materialise, it further highlighted the potential for this unique bond to transcend individual franchises.

Can Chris Paul dunk?

Yes, Chris Paul can dunk. Due to his diminutive stature, there are often doubts expressed as to his ability to dunk. However, in spite of his vertical limitations (at least relative to other professional basketballers), CP3 is well capable of pulling off a dunk, as the video below will attest. 

He famously pulled off a dunk on 6ft 10in-tall centre Dwight Howard in 2006, proving that even though he does not dunk all that often, it is not due to a lack of ability or spring. 

How tall is Chris Paul without shoes?

Chris Paul stands at exactly 6ft (1.8m) tall.

How long has Chris Paul been in the NBA?

Chris Paul has been a part of the NBA for 19 years, as of December 2023.

What is Chris Paul's net worth?

Legendary point guard Chris Paul boasts a net worth of $160 million according to reputable website Celebrity Net Worth, built through years of NBA dominance and savvy endorsements. Over his impressive journey across teams (Hornets, Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, and Suns), he's amassed a staggering $446 million in NBA salaries alone, with his current Suns contract reaching $120 million by 2025. 

But his financial prowess extends beyond the court, with endorsements bringing him an additional $10-20 million annually.

What is Chris Paul's salary?

According to his latest contract, Chris Paul earns an annual salary of $30 million.

Who does Chris Paul play for?

Chris Paul currently (as of December 2023) plays for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA.

Why is Chris Paul called ‘Point God’?

The nickname ‘Point God’ is a nod to the popular perception of Chris Paul as one of the greatest point guards of not just his era, but all time.

The role of the point guard in basketball comes with the responsibility to, essentially, run the team’s entire attacking playbook, akin to a quarterback in the NFL. Paul is close to peerless in his all-court play, a “floor general” who routinely averages 20 points and 10 assists per game with his elite ball-handling and vision, and also led the NBA in steals for a couple of seasons. 

Why Chris Paul to the Warriors?

For 18 years straight in the NBA, Chris Paul was a starting player. The decision by the Golden State Warriors to trade him in was therefore met with surprise and scepticism, considering the Warriors have – in Steph Curry – one of the best point guards and best players in the league. It was not quite clear how they would fit together.

Unsurprisingly, he has needed to adjust to a new reality, starting from the bench in most matches. “It’s figuring it out,” Paul told the Ringer. “It’s going to be a process, but at the same time, you want to win in the process.”

The trade, ostensibly, was with a view to helping the Warriors stay strong and competitive even in the absence of Curry. In addition to this, he has assumed a mentoring role within the Warriors squad, balancing out the more aggressive stylings and abrasive personality of Draymond Green. 

Teammate Kevon Looney describes him as being “somebody that knows how to relay his message to everybody” and “good at knowing when to say things and knowing how to hold guys accountable.”

Chris Paul with the Warriors

Since joining the Warriors in the offseason, Paul has made 21 appearances, averaging 9.0 points and 7.2 assists per game in 562 minutes.

Chris Paul and Steph Curry

Once thought unsuited to play alongside his protégé, Chris Paul has unexpectedly become the calming hand the Golden State Warriors craved. While Steph Curry remains the face of their lightning-fast attack, Paul provides a masterful counterpoint, slowing things down and orchestrating plays with precision.

Last season, the Warriors danced with fire. Close games dissolved into frantic scrambles, and they lacked a steady hand to guide them in crucial moments. Enter Paul, the seasoned conductor, slowing the tempo when the clock ticks down and ensuring every move on the court contributes to the desired outcome.

Critics questioned how two point guard titans, each embodying distinct styles, could possibly co-exist. But beneath the surface, Paul revealed an unexpected adaptability. He surrendered control in crunch time, recognizing Curry as the maestro of the Warriors' high-octane offence. His focus shifted to creating the perfect rhythm – finding Curry those impossible-looking shots that leave the net singing.

Fears of a stylistic clash have evaporated. Instead, a beautiful harmony has emerged. Curry marvels at Paul's uncanny court vision, while Paul cherishes his role in amplifying Curry's brilliance. “It's impressive, to say the least, his ability to see the court,” Curry said of Paul following the Warriors’ tight win over Oklahoma City Thunder. 

“He just has a knack for it; he's had it his whole career. And watch out when he starts making shots; that's going to be the fun part when he puts it all together. I am super jealous of the turnover-to-assist ratio, I did not have that in my bag.”