Spurs Forward Helps Chris Paul Maintain Tradition

Future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul signed a one-year, $11 million deal to join the San Antonio Spurs in the offseason.

Thanks to a recent gesture from Keldon Johnson, Paul can continue wearing his familiar No. 3 jersey, which he has worn since college.

Jersey Swap:

Keldon Johnson will switch to No. 0 starting in the 2024-25 season after giving up No. 3 for Chris Paul. Johnson wore No. 0 during his rookie season with the Austin Spurs.

Paul’s Career Highlights:

Chris Paul wore No. 3 during his standout seasons at Wake Forest, where he led the ACC in steals twice and was named Rookie of the Year and first-team All-Defense both years.

Drafted by the New Orleans Hornets as the fourth overall pick in 2005, Paul spent six seasons there and earned multiple accolades including Rookie of the Year and MVP runner-up while wearing No. 3.

Since then, he’s played for several teams: Los Angeles Clippers (2011-17), Houston Rockets (2017-19), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20), Phoenix Suns (2020-23), and Golden State Warriors (2023-24). Throughout these years, he kept his iconic number.

Fans love how consistent he’s been with that number!

The Quest for a Championship:

Despite being one of NBA’s greatest point guards with numerous honors like leading in steals six times and assists five times, Chris Paul has yet to win an NBA title. He’s entering his 20th season this fall and has made it to playoffs fifteen times but only reached conference finals twice and NBA Finals once.

Last year, Paul mentioned that not having a ring negatively impacted his daughter at school.

San Antonio is expected to improve significantly next season with reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama joining forces with Paul. However, going from just 22 wins last season to winning an NBA Finals seems like a long shot right now.

We hope CP3 gets that championship soon!