CP3 discloses what has allowed him to play 20 seasons in the NBA: "The biggest thing is being able to change"

Hoop talent and athleticism may get a player a seat at the NBA table, but staying there long enough to finish 20 seasons takes much more. That’s exactly what Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul has accomplished, and at the age of 40, he doesn’t seem inclined to hang his sneakers up anytime soon.

In a conversation with Andscape’s Marc Spears, the Point God shed light on his secret to playing for two decades in a league where the average career length is just 4.8 years. According to Paul, the key has been his ability to adapt and evolve.

Adaptability is key

It certainly helps that CP3 is by no means an average player. A 12-time All-Star, an 11-time All-NBA Team member, a nine-time All-Defensive Team honoree, and a five-time assists champion, the 6-foot guard has set the standard for how an elite point guard should play. Despite all his accolades and accomplishments, Paul understands the importance of constantly adapting to stay relevant in the ever-evolving NBA.

“It’s being able to change, being able to listen, being able to learn, being able to go through the hard time, being able to hear the haters, but also drown them out,” Paul shared on how he’s been able to thrive in the league for so long.

As beloved as CP3 is for his dime-dropping abilities, he hasn’t been the most popular player amongst fans and even his fellow players. With his intense competitive drive and fiery personality on the court, Paul has been known to ruffle some feathers. Through it all, he’s remained true to himself and his love for the game.

“Being able to still show up every day and know that it don’t matter what everybody else thinks, what everybody else says,” he added. “And, honestly, it’s a lot of prayer, a lot of faith. I know God don’t play about me.”

The NBA continues to evolve

Paul entered the NBA in 2005. It was a time when big men like Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett dominated the league. As the years passed, the game began to shift towards a more perimeter-oriented style, with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James taking the lead. Not long after, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors ushered in the era of small-ball and three-point shooting.

Through it all, Paul has kept one ear on the ground, adapting his game to fit the changing landscape of the league. Although his strengths — precise passing, solid leadership and steady ball protection — have remained constant, Chris has never shied away from developing new skills to stay ahead of the competition.

“The biggest thing is being able to change. The NBA now is so different than it was when I came in as a rookie. It has changed probably every four to five years,” Paul relayed.

CP3 shared that most players enter the league and stick to their guns, believing that the skills they possess will be enough to carry them through their careers. However, as many have learned, adapting that mentality is a quick way to be out of the league in five seasons.

“Some people are so stuck in their ways and unable to adapt and change, so being able to do that, being able to communicate, good, bad or indifferent. And yeah, just being able to stack days and do the work,” he continued.

Paul isn’t riding his legacy to earn a few more paychecks. Although he no longer plays heavy minutes as he had for most of his career, Chris is a key cog for a Clippers squad that needs veteran leadership and guidance as they attempt to make a deep playoff run.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

CP3 discloses what has allowed him to play 20 seasons in the NBA: “The biggest thing is being able to change”

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