Chris Paul’s retirement announcement came as something inevitable, but it still landed with the weight of a true NBA era ending. Before the LA Clippers faced the Charlotte Hornets, Paul’s hometown team, the 40-year-old confirmed that the 2025–26 season will be his last. And for former teammate Devin Booker, the moment stirred up memories and admiration that run deep.
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Devin Booker Has High Praise for Chris Paul
After 21 seasons of defining the “Point God” archetype, orchestrating offenses, and mentoring teammates everywhere he went, Paul’s retirement decision marks the close of one of basketball’s most iconic careers.
Booker went all nostalgic when asked about Paul’s announcement, immediately reflecting on the role CP3 played in shaping his own journey.
As reported by Phoenix reporter Duane Rankin: “A lot of memories,” Booker said. “Even before we were teammates, watching him and learning from him, being inspired by him.”
The Suns star revealed he even had a Paul “Fat Head” on his childhood wall — an early sign of the respect that would later evolve into a powerful on-court partnership.
“Just the ultimate competitor. Ultimate winner,” Booker added. “I’m happy he’ll get his flowers that he deserves. Should be every arena that he goes to because he’s changed the landscape of the NBA forever.”
Booker and Paul formed one of the league’s most efficient and intelligent backcourts during their run in Phoenix.
Across 162 games together, Paul averaged 14.9 points, 9.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds — numbers that only hint at his real influence. His presence helped sharpen Booker’s decision-making, stabilized a young roster, and transformed the Suns from promising to title-contending.
Phoenix Finals Run to CP3’s Final Chapter
Paul arrived in Phoenix in November 2020 through a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the impact was instantaneous.
The Suns jumped 17 wins in his first year, transformed defensively and offensively, and surged to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993. With Booker’s scoring and Paul’s orchestration, the duo created a lethal balance of poise and firepower.
That Suns team, guided by head coach Monty Williams, who coached Paul earlier in New Orleans, benefited tremendously from Paul’s leadership.
His ability to mentor Deandre Ayton and empower the roster helped turn Phoenix into one of the most disciplined units in the league. But the closing chapter of Paul’s career looks very different from his “Lob City” days or even the Phoenix resurgence.
Now 40, he has transitioned into a veteran presence off the bench for the Los Angeles Clippers, playing limited minutes while offering guidance to a team navigating the brutal Western Conference.
His box-score numbers (2.6 – 1.8 – 3.6) may be smaller, but the influence remains unmistakable. As the NBA world prepares to celebrate Paul’s final season, the 12-time NBA All-Star’s final bow will certainly be met with well-earned applause in every arena he visits.