In a historic night for NBA fans and statisticians, Chris Paul moved past Hall of Famer Jason Kidd to secure the 2nd spot on the NBA all-time assists list. During the San Antonio Spurs’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Paul dished out 10 assists, pushing his career total to 12,099 and etching his name deeper into basketball history.
While catching all-time leader John Stockton seems as probable as winning the lottery twice, Paul’s consistency and longevity are nothing short of legendary. Let’s break down the monumental achievement, how it unfolded, and what’s next for the “Point God” himself.
How It Happened: Assist No. 12,092
Before the game, Chris Paul needed just 2 assists to surpass Jason Kidd’s record of 12,091 assists. All eyes were on him, and the moment didn’t take long to arrive.
In the second quarter, with 7:06 remaining on the clock, Paul connected with rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama on a slick pass to the left wing. Wembanyama drained a smooth three-pointer, and the crowd erupted, celebrating Paul’s 12,092nd career assist.
It was vintage CP3—calm, precise, and impactful. A hallmark of his 20-year career in the NBA.
Chris Paul’s Incredible Career: 20 Years of Elite Playmaking
Since entering the NBA in the 2005-06 season, Chris Paul has been the gold standard of a true point guard. The numbers don’t lie:
- 12,099 assists and counting.
- 5-time NBA assists leader (2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2022).
- Career averages of 9.5 assists per game.
Paul’s ability to elevate teammates and orchestrate offenses has earned him the well-deserved nickname, “The Point God”. Whether it’s lobs to Blake Griffin in the “Lob City” era or finding sharpshooters like Devin Booker, Paul’s court vision remains unparalleled.
While Jason Kidd’s pass-first mentality earned him a Hall of Fame spot and coaching roles, CP3 has taken that mantle to a new level, blending precision with scoring when needed.
Chasing Stockton: A Monumental Gap
For all his accomplishments, Paul faces a nearly insurmountable challenge: catching John Stockton. The Utah Jazz legend sits atop the NBA assists throne with 15,806 assists—a whopping 3,707 more than Paul.
At 39 years old, with a current season average of 8.5 assists per game, CP3 would need to play several more seasons at a high level to even come close. Let’s be real, Stockton’s record feels as unbreakable as a Nokia phone from the 90s.
But that doesn’t diminish Paul’s greatness. Moving past Jason Kidd is no small feat, and CP3 has solidified his place as one of the top playmakers in NBA history.
Another Milestone in Reach: The Steals Race
If passing Stockton seems far-fetched, Paul has another record within his sights:
- CP3 currently has 2,646 career steals, ranking 3rd on the all-time list.
- Jason Kidd sits just ahead with 2,684 steals—a mere 38 steals away.
Given Paul’s season average of 1.4 steals per game, he’s on pace to surpass Kidd and claim 2nd place on the steals leaderboard by the end of this season.
If and when that happens, it would be yet another feather in the cap of a player whose defensive prowess often gets overshadowed by his assist wizardry.
Chris Paul vs. Jason Kidd: The Comparison
Both Kidd and Paul revolutionized the point guard position in their own ways:
| Category | Jason Kidd | Chris Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Career Assists | 12,091 | 12,099 (and counting) |
| Assists Titles | 5 | 5 |
| Career Steals | 2,684 | 2,646 |
| NBA Championships | 1 | 0 (but hey, not over yet) |
While Kidd brought size, rebounding, and transition play to the position, Paul’s finesse, pick-and-roll mastery, and clutch leadership make him one of the most influential guards ever.
FAQs
Chris Paul currently has 12,099 assists, moving past Jason Kidd for 2nd place on the NBA all-time assists list.
While possible, it’s highly unlikely. Stockton holds the record with 15,806 assists, 3,707 more than Paul.
Chris Paul needs 38 more steals to surpass Jason Kidd’s 2,684 steals and claim 2nd place on the all-time steals list.
The 2024 season marks Chris Paul’s 20th year in the NBA.
Conclusion
Paul surpasses Hall of Fame guard Kidd to rank second in league assists list—this achievement cements Chris Paul’s legacy as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. While catching Stockton may remain out of reach, Paul’s brilliance, consistency, and impact on the game are undeniable.
With 38 more steals to surpass Kidd on the steals list, CP3’s pursuit of basketball immortality isn’t over yet. At 39, he continues to defy Father Time, proving that greatness knows no age limit.
Whether you call him The Point God or simply a living legend, Chris Paul’s name will forever be etched in NBA history as a master of the assist and a defensive force. Keep watching—this story isn’t over yet.
