San Antonio Spurs veteran point guard Chris Paul accomplished a new career milestone on Thursday night.
Paul, 39, surpassed Paul Pierce to move into 16th place in all-time games played in NBA history (1,344). The future Hall of Fame guard is now only three games away from passing Kobe Bryant to move into 15th place.
The 2005 first-round pick is in the midst of his 20th season and is still a solid enough player to be effective at his age. Paul is averaging 8.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.7 assists this season. In fact, Paul’s assist average ranks seventh in the league.
Throughout his illustrious career, Paul has earned 12 All-Star nods, 11 All-NBA selections, nine All-Defensive teams and was named on 2021’s NBA Top 75 list. However, despite Paul’s accomplishments, an NBA title has eluded him throughout his two-decade career.
The six-time steals leader couldn’t get over the hump during his tenures with James Harden and the Rockets (2017-19) or with the “Lob City” Los Angeles Clippers (2011-17). However, Paul was two wins away from a championship in the 2021 NBA Finals as a member of the Phoenix Suns. Paul joined the Suns in the 2020-21 season and aided the franchise to its first Finals appearance since 1993. In the following campaign, Paul helped lead the Suns to a franchise-best 64-18 record.
After his Phoenix tenure, Paul spent a season with the Golden State Warriors (2023-24) and is in his first season as a Spur. Paul came to San Antonio in hopes to provide a veteran presence to a young Spurs team that features Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle and 2023 No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama’s season was cut short due to a blood clot in his right shoulder. The 2023 Rookie of the Year was having a dominate season and was on pace to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. It remains to be seen if San Antonio will bring back Paul to garner a full season with the Spurs young core.
Paul has played in all 72 of San Antonio’s games this season. If Paul decides to return for another campaign and can stay healthy, he could perhaps make it into the top 10. Paul is only 66 games away from surpassing Jason Terry (1,410) for the 10th spot in all-time games played.
