Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland fans honor Chris Paul’s retirement
Longtime NBA veteran guard Chris Paul’s retirement announcement sparked a wave of respect and admiration throughout the basketball world over the weekend, and when it is Cleveland Cavaliers he hosted Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night, everyone at Rocket Arena paid their respects to the 21-year-old floor general. Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson was among many in the building to applaud Paul when he received a special notice when he checked into the game late in the first quarter.
“The longevity to play at the level he’s played at that position for so long … I guess (John) Stockton is at that position, (but) who else is in that class? I don’t know,” said Atkinson, who spent his final season as a Golden State Warriors assistant with Paul in 2023-24. “Playing at the elite level is incredible, but when you’ve been around him for a year, he’s a savant, a basketball expert. Nobody loves the game more than Chris Paul.”
“He’s very involved in youth basketball in North Carolina, all over the country, really, so he pours his heart and soul into the young guys in this league. Every young guy in this league, it seems like Chris Paul is touched, and he’s a mentor to a lot of guys; not just guys on his team, but young guys around the league.”
Paul checked into the game at 2:15 of the first period, likely for the last time in Cleveland, barring an unexpected trade or an NBA Finals meeting between the Cavs and the Clippers in June. Fans in Northeast Ohio showered the 12-time NBA All-Star with love when Cleveland announcer Sean Peebles introduced his recognitions and achievements.
“A phenomenal human being, a great player,” Atkinson said. “It was cool to see (the reaction) from Cavs fans. This is like a basketball town. They gave him a standing ovation. It was great to see.”
Pavle shared a touching video on X on Saturday afternoon before LA’s game against the Charlotte Hornets in his home state, where it all began for the legend known as CP3: “Back in NC!!! What a ride…So much more…GRATEFUL for this last one!! 🤞🏾”
The highlight reel ended with the phrase, “Never delay gratitude.”
2025-11-25 00:34:00
