Chris Paul Ascends to Second on All-Time Assists List
In a remarkable career that has consistently defied the constraints of time and age, Chris Paul has added another milestone to his illustrious NBA journey. At 39 years old and in his 20th season, Paul has eclipsed Hall of Famer Jason Kidd to seize the second spot on the NBA's all-time career assists leaderboard. This achievement places Paul into an echelon of playmaking that further cements his legacy as one of the game's most proficient passers.
Throughout his career, Paul has delivered a staggering 12,099 assists, a testament to his historic court vision and unyielding commitment to team play. The momentous feat occurred during a closely contested game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Pelicans, culminating in a 121-116 victory for the Spurs. The assist that propelled Paul past Kidd was his 12,092nd career dish, a number that speaks to not only his durability but to years of setting up his teammates for success on the hardwood.
Yet, despite this achievement, Paul remains humbly grounded. Addressing his teammates and those who have supported him throughout his storied career, he expressed profound gratitude: "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."
Jason Kidd, whose record Paul surpassed, showed utmost respect and admiration for Paul's remarkable body of work. Currently serving as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, Kidd offered gracious words acknowledging Paul's achievement: "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 further highlighted the herculean task of chasing down John Stockton, the NBA's all-time leader in assists with a seemingly unreachable total of 15,806: "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."
As the only player in NBA history to have amassed at least 22,000 points, 12,000 assists, 5,000 rebounds, and 2,000 steals, Chris Paul's career continues to be a beacon of excellence in the sport. His ability to affect every facet of the game makes his presence felt beyond the numbers alone, turning each contest into a lesson of basketball acumen for those privileged to witness it.
John Stockton's record may remain unconquerable, but Chris Paul's ascent to second on the all-time assists list underscores a career built on dedication, skill, and an innate understanding of the game that few have possessed. This milestone, cherished by fans and respected by peers, is another chapter in a career that is destined for the basketball hall of fame, honoring a player whose influence on the game will be felt for generations to come.