Chris Paul is the star point guard for the Phoenix Suns. The 36-year-old has been crowned as the point god for his amazing handles and high on-court IQ. He has managed to lead the NBA in assists four times and steals six times. CP3 is an eleven-time all-star and made it to ten All-NBA teams. Throughout his career, Chris Paul has been a part of five different franchises.
New Orleans Hornets
Chris Paul kick-started his NBA career with the New Orleans Hornets. The Hornets selected Paul as the fourth pick in the 2005 NBA draft. Chris Paul became the second rookie to lead the season in all rookies points, assists, steals and double-doubles. The young Chris Paul had shown his talent as a point guard and averaged 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game in his rookie year. These numbers gave him the NBA Rookie Of The Year title.
In the 2007-08 season, the Hornets finished with a franchise-record of 56 wins under Paul’s leadership. Chris Paul helped the team reach the playoffs. He had a wonderful playoff debut and made it to round two. However, the San Antonio Spurs sent the Hornets home.
Chris Paul decided to extend his run with the Hornets and signed an extension ahead of the 2008-09 season. He recorded a quadruple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists and 7 steals against the 76ers. However, the Hornets could name make it past round one of the playoffs.
Chris Paul injured his left knee in the 2009-10 season and played only 45 games. The injury left the Hornets weak and they missed the playoffs that season. The injury scare continued into the next season. Paul suffered a concussion after colliding with Ramon Sessions. He however came back two games later and led the team into the playoff. The Hornets however could not go all the way yet again.
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Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011. Cp3, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, the three men were known for their fast offence and amazing alley-hoops. The Clippers earned a nickname,’ Lob City’. The Clippers made it to the playoffs that season. The San Antonio Spurs eliminated the Clippers in the semi-finals
The next season was no different. The Clippers recorded a franchise record of 56 wins and made the playoffs. However, the Memphis Grizzlies eliminated the Clippers in round 1. Chris Paul suffered a shoulder injury in the 2013-13 season. However, the Clippers beat the previous franchise win record. But the playoff curse continued. The Oklahoma City Thunder eliminated Paul and co in round 1.
The 2014-15 season saw Chris Paul play all 82 games for the first time in his career. He played the playoffs through a hamstring injury and helped the Clippers reach round 2. However, they lost the second round to the Rockets despite having a 3-1 lead.
The 2015-16 season playoffs were horrific for the Clippers and Chris Paul. He broke his hand and was ruled out indefinitely. The Clippers lost the series against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 2016-17 season saw Paul miss 21 games due to injury. The playoffs saw the Clippers get eliminated in round 1 by the Utah Jazz.
Houston Rockets
In 2017, the Clippers traded Chris Paul to the Rockets. Paul played the debut season with a knee injury and missed 15 games. However, he came back stronger and became the first player to put up 28 points, 8 assists, 7 steals in a game. The Rockets made the playoffs. In the second round against the Jazz, Paul had a playoff career-high of 41 points. However, the Rockets were eliminated in the Western Conference Finals.
Oklahoma City Thunder
In 2019, the Rockets traded Paul to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Russ Westbrook. In his debut for the Thunder, Chris Paul put up 22 points in just 30 minutes of play. He also received his tenth NBA All-Star call up. Chris Paul however never made the playoffs with Oklahoma City Thunder.
Phoenix Suns
In 2020, the Suns signed Chris Paul and Abdel Nader. Chris Paul has had the most successful run in his career with the Phoenix Suns. The 2020 season saw Paul team up with the young and talented Devin Booker. He went on to become the sixth player in NBA history to record over 10,000 assists. In the 2021 Playoffs, the Suns have had an unbelievable run. They first defeated the defending champions, Los Angeles Lakers in round 1.
Chris Paul was also put in quarantine for entering the NBA Covid-19 health and safety protocol. This made CP3 miss a few games. However, he only came back stronger. for the first time in his career, the 36-year-old point guard has made the NBA finals.
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