Chris Paul Moves to Second on NBA's All-Time Assist List
In what was an extraordinary moment for the NBA and a testament to his storied career, veteran point guard Chris Paul has etched his name further into the annals of basketball history. In a recent matchup that concluded with the San Antonio Spurs triumphing over the New Orleans Pelicans 121-116, Paul reached a milestone few could have foreseen when he first entered the league. By surpassing Jason Kidd, Paul now holds the illustrious title of second place on the NBA's all-time career assists list.
Paul, at 39, continues to defy the expectations typically reserved for players of his age and tenure. Now in his 20th season, he has proven that age is merely a number, amassing an incredible 12,099 career assists. It was his 12,092nd assist that carved his name into the second spot, overtaking the legendary Kidd, who now occupies the third position.
For decades, John Stockton, with a formidable 15,806 career assists, has stood alone at the pinnacle of this category. While Paul's achievement is nothing short of phenomenal, Stockton's record still looms large and appears near impossible to eclipse. Kidd, now the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, echoed this sentiment. "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," Kidd observed, reflecting on the sheer difficulty of challenging such an enduring achievement.
For Paul, the journey to this milestone has been one of consistent excellence. Known for his on-court vision and ability to "set the table" for his teammates, he has long been celebrated for his role in orchestrating scores as much as for making them. Kidd, undoubtedly one of the most qualified to comment on this achievement, noted, "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."
But Chris Paul's career is marked by more than just assists. He is a unique figure in NBA history, being the only player to have accumulated at least 22,000 points, 12,000 assists, 5,000 rebounds, and 2,000 steals. This diverse skill set speaks volumes of his versatility and sustained impact on the game. Paul's gratitude for having had the chance to perform on the highest level was palpable in his post-game reflections. "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," Paul expressed with emotion. "To be away from my family, y'all 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 y'all get this opportunity to play as long as I have. Thank y'all so much."
The game against the Pelicans will be remembered not only for its competitive spirit but also as a moment where a pivotal piece of basketball history unfolded. Paul's career continues to be characterized by the kind of passion and dedication that have invariably placed him among the sport's greats. As fans and fellow players celebrate his latest accomplishment, the debate over his eventual place in the Hall of Fame seems less a question of possibility and more one of inevitability.
In a league that never stops producing superstars, Chris Paul's journey to the top echelons of basketball greatness remains inspiring, not just for what he has achieved but for the manner in which he has done so. His narrative is one of persistence, skill, and a love for the game that transcends mere numbers. As the milestones continue to fall and new records approach, one truth remains certain: Chris Paul is an irreplaceable force in the world of basketball.