PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Paul #3 of the LA Clippers in action during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on November 06, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Clippers 115-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Paul #3 of the LA Clippers in action during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on November 06, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Clippers 115-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The retirement of Chris Paul has led to him sharing more thoughts about his NBA career and putting himself in the spotlight via talking again. Paul held out hope to find an ideal path to end his NBA career after the Los Angeles Clippers sent him home. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, and Paul opted to retire after he traded to the Toronto Raptors and waived.
Paul recently appeared on TheTyLilShow livestream and revealed the best NBA franchise he’s ever played for while showing a gift he received:
“The Spurs gave me this last year. They were the best organization I ever played for.”
The item in question was a special plaque honoring the illustrious career of Paul. San Antonio made it with a list of teammates who received the most assists from Paul throughout his career. The Spurs only had Paul for one season, but it was enough to win his respect forever.
Paul likely would have preferred to end his career there rather than end it on this sour note with the Clippers. No other legend of Paul’s level has had their career end in such a fashion of the team sending him home and no other team trying to acquire him.
Why Chris Paul’s Answer Was Surprising
Most NBA legends name the franchise they were most synonymous with as the best one. Paul had his best runs coming with the Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets. Even the Phoenix Suns would be added to the list of fans assumptions since he made his NBA Finals appearance after joining that franchise.
Paul accomplished more and made those other four franchises improve their title contention than with San Antonio. It says a lot that Paul named the Spurs above the franchises that he’ll be remembered for playing.
Many players around the league feel that teams don’t treat their franchise greats with enough respect. Paul didn’t feel appreciated enough by the other teams, despite playing longer and winning at the highest level with them. Fans of the Suns, Rockets, and Pelicans should take notice of Paul not referencing their franchises in such a light.
This Comment Helps The Spurs Future
San Antonio has been considered the gold standard of the post-Michael Jordan NBA for many years. Tim Duncan’s era with multiple other stars on the roster saw the franchise respected for their competitive spirit, while also treating their players well behind the scenes.
Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard had unexpected falling outs with the Spurs, but that didn’t take away from their reputation. San Antonio adding new stars Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox and young prospects with star potential could see them forming a new dynasty core if things break right for the franchise.
A respected legend like Paul praising the Spurs so strongly gives more credence to players giving them the benefit of the doubt. It also ensures that if they keep staying true to their identity, they won’t have to worry about losing star talent to bigger markets. Paul will likely share many more thoughts since he’s looking to stay in the public eye after retirement.