Chris Paul Climbs to Second on NBA's All-Time Assist Leaderboard: A Historic Milestone
On Sunday, December 8th, Chris Paul reached another monumental milestone in his legendary career. In a thrilling matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Paul passed Jason Kidd to claim the second spot on the NBA's all-time assist leaderboard. Paul dished out 10 assists in the game, alongside 6 points and 7 rebounds, putting on a well-rounded performance that highlighted his continued brilliance on the court.
With this latest achievement, Paul now sits second behind only John Stockton in career assists, with an impressive total of 12,099. He surpassed Jason Kidd, who previously held the second spot with 12,091 assists, further cementing his place as one of the greatest playmakers in the history of the game.
The Top 5 All-Time Assist Leaders
John Stockton – 15,806 assists
Chris Paul – 12,099 assists
Jason Kidd – 12,091 assists
LeBron James – 11,219 assists
Steve Nash – 10,335 assists
For Chris Paul, reaching second on this list is a testament to his remarkable consistency and skill as a point guard over nearly two decades in the NBA. His ability to orchestrate an offense, read defenses, and set up his teammates for success has been unmatched throughout his career.
A Look Back at Chris Paul’s Career
Chris Paul's rise to second place in career assists has been defined by his exceptional court vision, leadership, and basketball IQ. Since being drafted in 2005 as the fourth overall pick, Paul quickly made an impact with the New Orleans Hornets, proving himself as one of the league’s top point guards. His skill set has only evolved since, as he has played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, and now with the Spurs, each time making his teammates better with his ability to find the open man.
Paul has been known for his unselfishness, averaging double-digit assists for most of his career. His passing ability, combined with his defensive prowess and clutch performances, has made him one of the most respected and feared floor generals in the history of the NBA.
Why Chris Paul’s Milestone is So Significant
Chris Paul’s achievement is not just about climbing the record books—it’s a reflection of his consistency and commitment to his craft. While many players on the list have been known for their scoring prowess or versatility, Paul has built his career on being a true playmaker. His uncanny ability to control the game, make the right decision, and create opportunities for others has made him a valuable asset to every team he’s played for.
Even as the game has shifted toward more emphasis on three-point shooting and faster-paced play, Paul has adapted, showing that his vision and decision-making are still as sharp as ever. In an era where scoring often takes center stage, Paul’s ability to lead offenses with his passes has set a standard for point guards everywhere.
Chris Paul
What’s Next for Chris Paul?
At 39 years old, Chris Paul is still playing at a high level, showing that age is no obstacle to his ability to facilitate and lead. While he may not be the player he once was athletically, his basketball IQ, leadership, and passing skills have allowed him to remain one of the top point guards in the league. As he continues to play, Paul will likely add a lot more assists to his career total and further solidify his legacy as one of the best to ever play the position.
Conclusion
Chris Paul’s move into second place on the NBA's all-time assists leaderboard is a historic achievement that reinforces his status as one of the greatest point guards in the history of the game. His ability to make his teammates better, his vision, and his leadership have defined his career. Whether he adds more milestones or not, Chris Paul's impact on the NBA is undeniable, and his place in basketball history is secure.
