Paul, Chris (1985-…), is an outstanding point guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He stands 6 feet (183 centimeters) tall. Paul gained attention for his strength, quickness, and competitive drive. He has been among the NBA’s leaders in assists and steals since joining the league in 2005.
Christopher Emmanuel Paul was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on May 6, 1985. Paul’s father and older brother also had the initials C. P., and they gave Chris the nickname CP3. He was a highly ranked recruit coming out of high school and chose to play at Winston-Salem’s Wake Forest University. Paul has worn the uniform number 3 throughout his high school, college, and professional careers.
The New Orleans Hornets (later known as the Pelicans) selected Paul as the fourth pick in the NBA draft in 2005, following his sophomore year at Wake Forest. He won the Rookie of the Year award for his play during the 2005-2006 season. Paul was selected for his first NBA All-Star team during the 2007-2008 season, when he led the league in assists and steals. He led the NBA in one or both categories in six of the following seven seasons. Paul also played on United States teams that won the gold medal in men’s basketball at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
Paul played for the Los Angeles Clippers from the 2011-2012 season to the 2016-2017 season. During that time, the team gained the nickname Lob City for other players’ success in making dunk shots after taking alley-oop passes from Paul. In an alley-oop pass, a player catches the pass in mid-jump and dunks the ball before touching back down. The Houston Rockets acquired Paul in a 2017 trade. He joined the Oklahoma City Thunder following a 2019 trade that sent Russell Westbrook to Houston. The Phoenix Suns acquired Paul in a trade in late 2020. The 2020-2021 Suns team reached the NBA finals, but lost to the Milwaukee Bucks. The 2021-2022 Suns team had the NBA’s best regular season record, but lost in the conference semifinals to the Dallas Mavericks. Paul joined the Golden State Warriors before the 2023-2024 season. He signed a contract with the San Antonio Spurs in July 2024.
Paul also gained attention for his efforts off the basketball court. In 2005, he started the Chris Paul Family Foundation, which helps underserved communities. He served as president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021. Paul also became an accomplished bowler and the owner of a professional bowling team.
