Chris Paul has firmly etched his name into the annals of NBA history, surpassing legendary point guard Jason Kidd to secure the second position on the NBA's all-time career assists leaderboard. This significant milestone was reached during an electrifying match in which the San Antonio Spurs clinched a victory over the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 121-116.
Paul's Historic Assist Milestone
Paul, at 39 years old and in his remarkable 20th NBA season, delivered the assist that pushed him past Kidd with his 12,092nd helper. The assist is part of a career total that now stands at an impressive 12,099. Despite this incredible achievement, Paul remains in the shadow of John Stockton, whose record of 15,806 assists has long been considered one of the league’s most unassailable milestones.
Chris Paul has not only carved out his place among the game's elite playmakers; his career stats illuminate his all-around excellence. He stands as the only NBA player with career totals of at least 22,000 points, 12,000 assists, 5,000 rebounds, and 2,000 steals—a testament to both his skill and longevity on the court.
Recognition from a Peer
Jason Kidd, now the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, was among the first to commend Paul on his accomplishment, offering a sincere and respectful acknowledgment of his successor. "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,” Kidd reflected.
Kidd, known for his own storied career facilitating teammates, offered further insights on the daunting challenge of pursuing Stockton's legendary mark. "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," he commented.
A Heartfelt Thank You
In true humility, Paul acknowledged the significance of the moment with gratitude, recognizing the pivotal role his teammates have played throughout his career. In an emotional message, Paul expressed, "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. To be away from my family, ya'll 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 ya'll get this opportunity to play as long as I have. Thank ya'll so much."
The Legacy Continues
As Paul continues to defy Father Time with his artistry and leadership on the court, his focus remains rooted in love for the game and the collaborative spirit that has defined his career. Whether or not he approaches Stockton’s records, his legacy is securely positioned among basketball's greats.
His extraordinary career, characterized by resilience and excellence, continues to inspire not only aspiring athletes but seasoned professionals who have shared the court with him. It’s a legacy underpinned by skill, work ethic, and an undying passion for basketball which ensures his contributions to the sport will be celebrated for years to come.
With every pass, Paul enhances his storied narrative—a narrative woven into the rich fabric of NBA history. Though records are meant to be broken, the impact of a player like Chris Paul transcends the numbers, embedding itself in the culture and history of the game he loves.