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Christopher Emmanuel Paul is a professional NBA basketball player from Winston-Salem, NC. He is currently the NBA point guard for the Golden State Warriors. He is a popular basketball player and is regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time. He was selected to play on twelve NBA all-star teams, eleven all-NBA teams, and nine NBA all-defensive teams. In 2021, Chris was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He also served as the National Basketball Players Association president from 2013-2021.
Winston-Salem Roots
Chris Paul was born in Winston-Salem, NC in 1985. He and his older brother, Chris “C.J.” Paul Jr., were coached by their father, Charles Paul, on local basketball and football teams growing up. His family gave him the nickname CP3 because he, his father, and his brother all share the same initials. Chris and his brother spent their summers working for their grandfather, Nathaniel Jones, at his service station. He was very close to his grandfather and learned many life lessons from him. He describes him as his best friend. His grandfather was murdered in Chris’ senior year of High School, and he honored him by scoring 61 points in his next game, one for every year of his grandfather’s life.
After playing only two seasons of varsity basketball at West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, Chris was chosen as a McDonald’s All-American player.
Chris Paul’s College Basketball At Wake Forest University
Chris Paul was given a scholarship to attend Wake Forest University, where he helped lead them to 48 wins in two seasons, two NCAA Tournament berths, and one Sweet Sixteen appearance. He also helped the Demon Deacons achieve their first-ever number-one ranking. Chris played at Wake Forest until his sophomore year, finishing his career there with just under 1,000 career points. He still ranks in the top 10 in school history in career assists (395), career steals (160), career 3-point percentage (46.9) and career free throw percentage (83.8). In 2013, Wake Forest retired Paul’s No. 3 jersey, which now hangs in the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum rafters.
Chris’ Professional Basketball Career To Date
Chris declared for the draft after his sophomore season at Wake Forest University. He was selected 4th overall in the 2005 draft by the New Orleans Hornets (formerly the Charlotte Hornets). In 2006, he was NBA Rookie of the Year, has been a five-time All-Star, and has been an All-NBA and All-Defensive team honoree many times. While on the United States national basketball team, he won an Olympic bronze medal in 2006 and two Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012. 2011, Chris joined the Los Angeles Clippers and stayed with them for six years before joining the Houston Rockets in 2017. He joined the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, moved on to the Phoenix Suns in 2020, and was with them until 2023 when he went to the Golden State Warriors.
Chris Paul’s career averages are 17.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He has earned all NBA honors eleven times, all defensive honors nine times, and led the NBA in steals a record six times and assists five times. On October 22, 2021, Chris recorded 23 points and 14 assists in a 115-105 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the first player in league history to record 20,000 points and 10,000 assists in their career!
Bowling Benefits
Chris also shows prowess in bowling and is a spokesman for the United States Bowling Conference. As the head of the charitable organization CP3 Foundation, he has bowled in many celebrity bowling and youth bowling events, benefiting Hurricane Katrina victims and many charities in Winston-Salem.
Chris Paul’s Family
Chris is the son of Charles and Robin Paul. His older brother, C.J., played basketball at Hampton University and USC-Spartanburg and is now Chris’s manager. Chris married his college sweetheart, Jada Crawley, in 2011. They have two children.
Charitable Contributions
In 2005, Chris began CP3, a philanthropic partnership with the Winston-Salem Foundation, in honor of his late grandfather, Nathaniel Jones, who was tragically killed in 2002. The foundation was created to highlight Chris’ dedication and love for his grandfather’s spirit and the city of Winston-Salem. The Chris Paul Family Foundation provides resources that enrich and strengthen the healthy development of strong communities. They level the playing field by helping enhance and promote education, health, sports, and social responsibility for youth and families. See the Chris Paul Family Foundation to see how they give back to the community.
Chris Paul’s Memoir
In June 2023, Chris Paul published Sixty One: Lessons From Papa, On And Off The Court. The book is about his childhood in Winston-Salem, his relationship with his grandfather Nathaniel “Papa” Jones and his family, his high school, Wake Forest University, and his NBA career.
Catch A Game At The Quiet Pint
Even if it isn’t basketball season, there are always games on the TVs at the Quiet Pint. And while you are there, try one of their tempting dishes, cocktails, or a cold craft beer. It’s always a good time, whenever you go.
Who is your favorite NBA basketball player? Let us know in the comments.
