Chris Paul hints at retirement ahead of Clippers-Hornets game in his home state

LA Clippers rush hour Chris Paul hinted at his potential retirement before the team 131-116 win against Charlotte Hornets on Saturday in what is expected to be his final game in his home state of North Carolina.

The Winston-Salem native posted a video on social media about 90 minutes before tipoff showing highlights of his play for several NBA teams during his 21-year professional career. The video also includes Paul from childhood to high school and his playing days Wake Forest and league recruiting.

After the game, Paul declined interview requests to discuss his future through the team’s public relations staff and quietly left the Spectrum Center walking next to a staff member wearing a brown plaid flannel coat.

He later met some family members who had come to see the game and exchanged hugs.

Paul had three points, eight assists and three rebounds on Saturday, helping him become the first NBA player in history with at least 20,000 points, 12,000 assists and 6,000 rebounds.

He is expected to address the press when the team returns to Los Angeles sometime soon Tuesday evening game against Los Angeles Lakers. The Clippers play on Cleveland on Sunday evening.

James Hardenwho scored 55 points against the Hornets, said he hadn’t seen Paul’s video before the game but knew the end of his career was imminent.

“Twenty-one years,” Harden said. “At some point, you know it’s going to end, and I think he’s already started his transition. Obviously, he’s still traveling and playing now, but his transition after (the season) is going to be pretty seamless. He’s always on the phone, on the phone and in meetings and things like that. I definitely take notes from him whenever the time comes my way.”

Paul, 40, signed a one-year deal to return to the Clippers before the season.

“I don’t want to talk about nobody retiring,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said before the game. “It’s a tough time, especially when you’ve put so much effort into your life to play this game. When it ended and when it’s coming to an end, it was a dark day for me because it’s something you’ve done your whole life. An incredible career, and someone as a point guard who has impacted the game in a positive way.”

Lue added that he is “happy to be able to come home to finish his career.”

Paul could not be reached for comment before the game.

Paul entered the game averaging 2.5 points and 3.3 assists per game in a limited role for the Clippers.

A 12-time NBA All-Star, Paul was the fifth overall pick of the New Orleans Hornets in 2005 and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team seven times. He has played for seven different NBA teams and this is his second stint with the Clippers. He is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist in 2008 and 2012.

Associated Press reports.

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