Chris Paul retires without a ring -- but his career proves he was one of NBA's greatest winners
CBS Sports
by
Sam Quinn
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Chris Paul’s retirement marks the end of a Hall-of-Fame career defined by unparalleled clutch performance but ultimately left without an NBA championship. Over his 21-season journey, Paul became synonymous with winning close games, leading teams like the Rockets, Thunder, and Suns to dominate in high-stakes moments. From 2008 to 2022, he won 65% of his clutch games—a rate that outshined even LeBron James—and transformed struggling teams into contenders by consistently elevating play in critical situations.
However, Paul’s legacy is tinged with the absence of a ring. Despite leading his teams to deep playoff runs and Finals appearances, he never quite crossed the finish line. His 2014 Clippers collapse against Oklahoma City remains a stark reminder of how even the best players can falter under pressure. Yet, unlike other legends like Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan, Paul’s career lacked that defining victory in June. This lack of playoff success has left him on a list of all-time greats who never tasted championship glory.
What sets Paul apart is his ability to consistently turn around teams and elevate their clutch performance. His impact was evident wherever he played: the Rockets rose to the top of the clutch rankings after acquiring him, followed by the Thunder and Suns in subsequent seasons. This consistency in high-pressure situations earned him a reputation as one of the game’s most reliable players. Yet, despite his dominance in regular-season close games, Paul never translated that success into championships.
Paul’s story matters because it highlights the
Verticals
sports
Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/13/2026