“At most, a year,”. That is what Chris Paul envisioned was left of his illustrious career before the season began. As it turns out, the ‘Point God’ was on point once again. According to Shams Charania, this will be the final year CP3 will play in the NBA. The player with the second most assists in NBA history is hanging up his sneakers for good.

Charania reported, “Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul is retiring after this season – his 21st campaign in the NBA,” and what a journey it was. For two decades, CP3 remained one of the best leaders in the game. Every team produced more wins when Paul joined their side. And as he returns to North Carolina, his home as a rookie in the NBA, the 40-year-old took to social media to share his thoughts.

“Back in NC!!! What a ride…Still so much left…GRATEFUL for this last one!!,” the 12-time All-Star wrote on Instagram. As part of the New Orleans Hornets, Chris Paul solidified himself as a transformational point guard. He had the rare ability to understand teammates and curate a successful system from his perception alone.

His wife, Jada Paul, congratulated CP3 on his illustrious career. “Helluva career! Helluva ride! So proud of you,” she wrote, reposting Paul’s post on her stories.

Chris Paul will go down in history as one of the best to play the game. He earned that nod when he made the NBA Top 75 team. And until the very end, his competitive drive never went away. With the Clippers, Paul is playing the role of a mentor more than a player. But just last season, Chris Paul played all 82 games for the Spurs, helping another young team along his journey.

Most of all, Paul left the game better than when he came in. It’s a shame that a player of his magnitude could retire without the ultimate honor.