Chris Paul

On July 28, 2005, Chris Paul was drafted as the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets. This marked the beginning of his professional basketball career, where he emerged as a key player for the Hornets. Paul quickly established himself as one of the premier point guards in the NBA, earning numerous accolades and leading his team to multiple playoff appearances. His tenure with the Hornets set the stage for his future successes in the league and solidified his reputation as a floor general.

On May 20, 2008, Chris Paul finished second in the NBA MVP voting for the 2007-2008 season. His impressive season with the New Orleans Hornets included averaging 21.1 points, 11.6 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. Paul's performance was instrumental in leading the Hornets to a 56-26 record and a second-place finish in the Western Conference. Despite not winning the MVP award, his achievement of finishing second highlighted his status as one of the premier players in the league and underscored his significant contributions to his team's success.

On February 20, 2009, Chris Paul was selected to play in his first NBA All-Star Game. The event took place during the 2008-2009 NBA season in Phoenix, Arizona. Paul was recognized for his outstanding performance during the season, showcasing his exceptional skills as a point guard. His participation in the All-Star Game highlighted his status as one of the elite players in the league at the time and further enhanced his growing legacy in the NBA.

On December 8, 2011, Chris Paul was traded from the New Orleans Hornets to the Los Angeles Clippers. The trade was a significant moment in both Paul's career and the Clippers' history, as it transformed the Clippers into a competitive team in the Western Conference. Paul's leadership and playmaking abilities played a crucial role in the Clippers' success during his tenure. He formed a dynamic partnership with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, leading the team, popularly known as "Lob City," to several playoff appearances.

On June 28, 2017, Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal. This trade was a strategic move by the Rockets to strengthen their backcourt and challenge the dominance of the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. Paul's addition to the Rockets, alongside James Harden, was anticipated to create one of the most formidable backcourt duos in the league. His experience and basketball IQ were expected to complement Harden's scoring prowess, making the Rockets genuine contenders for the NBA championship.

On July 17, 2019, Chris Paul was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This trade followed the departure of Paul George and was primarily considered part of a rebuilding phase for the Thunder. Despite this, Paul led the team to an unexpected playoff run, showcasing his enduring skills and leadership. His performance with the Thunder was a testament to his veteran experience and ability to positively impact any team, leading a young roster through a competitive season.

On November 16, 2020, Chris Paul was traded to the Phoenix Suns, marking another significant chapter in his illustrious career. The Suns acquired Paul in a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, aiming to add a veteran presence to their young and talented roster. Paul's arrival in Phoenix was expected to elevate the team's performance, and his impact was immediate. He provided leadership and stability, guiding the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993 during the 2020-2021 season, underlining his continued influence in the league.

On July 20, 2021, Chris Paul played in his first NBA Finals as a member of the Phoenix Suns. Despite a strong performance, the Suns were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. This appearance marked a significant milestone in Paul's career, as it was his first opportunity to compete for an NBA championship. Throughout the playoffs, Paul demonstrated his leadership and experience, guiding a young Suns team through a challenging postseason run. His contribution was pivotal in leading the Suns to the finals.

On May 15, 2022, Chris Paul became the oldest player in NBA history to record 30 points and 10 assists in a playoff game. Achieving this feat at the age of 37 during the Phoenix Suns' playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks, Paul continued to defy age and expectations with his extraordinary performances. His ability to control the game and deliver when it mattered most was on full display, further cementing his standing as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.

On February 10, 2023, Chris Paul surpassed Steve Nash to become third on the NBA's all-time assists leaderboard. Achieving this milestone solidified his legacy as one of the greatest facilitators in the history of the sport. Known for his exceptional court vision and passing abilities, Paul's rise to third place was a testament to his consistency and longevity in the NBA. This achievement highlighted his career-long commitment to excellence as one of the top point guards.