Chris Paul Claims Second Spot on NBA's All-Time Assists List
In a momentous achievement that further solidifies his status as one of the greatest point guards of all time, Chris Paul has surpassed Jason Kidd to become second on the NBA's all-time career assists list. This milestone is a testament to his enduring skill and longevity in the league, an impressive feat for the 39-year-old veteran who is in his 20th season.
Known for his exceptional leadership and playmaking abilities, Paul achieved this milestone with his 12,092nd assist during a competitive matchup that ended in a 121-116 victory for the San Antonio Spurs against the New Orleans Pelicans. At the conclusion of the game, Paul's career assist total stood at a remarkable 12,099, placing him only behind Utah Jazz legend John Stockton, who remains the record holder with an untouchable 15,806 assists.
Paul's journey in the NBA has been characterized by his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, a skill that has earned him respect and recognition across the league. Reflecting on Paul's latest achievement, Jason Kidd, who now coaches the Dallas Mavericks, shared his admiration, saying, "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."
A Rare Company
Chris Paul's milestone is not just a testament to his passing acumen but also highlights his all-around game. He is the only player in NBA history to have compiled at least 22,000 points, 12,000 assists, 5,000 rebounds, and 2,000 steals. This unique combination of statistics underscores his versatility and impact on both ends of the court. Throughout his career, Paul has consistently demonstrated his elite ability to score, assist, and defend, making him one of the most well-rounded players of his era.
Despite the significance of this milestone, Jason Kidd, whose own name was a fixture on the assists leaderboard before being overtaken by Paul, commented on the unlikelihood of anyone, including Paul, catching Stockton's record. "I don't know if he can catch [John] Stockton," Kidd remarked. "I don't think anyone can catch Stockton. Stockton's numbers are pretty impressive but for Chris to be second, that's big time."
An Emotional Triumph
For Chris Paul, reaching this significant milestone was an emotional moment. Recognizing the support from his teammates over the years, Paul expressed his gratitude in a heartfelt statement following the game. "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," he said, highlighting the camaraderie and partnership necessary for achieving such heights.
As Chris Paul continues his storied career, this latest achievement stands as a testament to his skill, perseverance, and passion for the game. While the debate over who might eventually surpass Stockton rages on, Paul's place among the NBA elite is undoubtedly secure. His ability to creatively orchestrate an offense and elevate his teammates has set a benchmark for future generations, ensuring his legacy will endure long after he hangs up his sneakers.