San Antonio Spurs’ Chris Paul runs upcourt during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul moved to second on the NBA’s all-time assists list against the New Orleans Pelicans, the franchise where his 20-year career began, on Sunday
The 39-year-old Paul collected his 12,092nd assist on a 3-pointer from Victor Wembanyama with 7:06 remaining in the first half.
Article continues after this advertisementPaul surpassed former Phoenix and Dallas star Jason Kidd on the all-time list. John Stockton is the league’s career leader with 15,806 career assists over 19 seasons, all with the Utah Jazz.
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After failing to collect an assist in the opening quarter against New Orleans, Paul had three assists in the first five minutes of the second quarter to achieve the milestone.
Article continues after this advertisement“Yeah, it is wild,” Paul said after Friday’s loss to Sacramento. “I mean, five years ago I had seen that number and it’s like, ‘Man, you going to play long enough to do that?’ Seriously. I mean, I remember being a rookie, I said that before, looking up in Utah, seeing John Stockton all-time steals and assist leader. So, yeah, it is kind of crazy. I mean, I’m grateful for the opportunity to still continue to play.”
Article continues after this advertisementPaul played four seasons in New Orleans, back when the franchise was known as the Hornets, after he was selected with the fourth pick in 2005 NBA Draft.
READ: NBA: Chris Paul joining Wembanyama at Spurs as NBA free agency opensHe was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he spent six seasons before moving on to Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix and Golden State before signing with San Antonio in the offseason.
After primarily coming off the bench with the Warriors last season, Paul is averaging 10.4 points, 8.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds this season as a starter for the Spurs.
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