Chris Paul Moves Past Jason Kidd into 2nd Place for Career NBA Assists

San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul moved into second place on the NBA's all-time assists list during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the franchise where his 20-year career began.

The 39-year-old reached his 12,092nd assist on a 3-pointer from Victor Wembanyama with 7:06 left in the first half of Sunday’s 121-116 victory.

With the assist, Paul surpassed Hall of Famer Jason Kidd on the all-time list. John Stockton remains the career leader with 15,806 assists, all accumulated over 19 seasons with the Utah Jazz.

CP3 to Wemby.

Assist No. 12,092.

Chris Paul is now 2nd all-time in dimes! pic.twitter.com/h6yZt2cDZR

— NBA (@NBA) December 9, 2024

Paul finished the game with 10 assists, bringing his total to 12,099 in 1,296 games, with more to come.

After failing to register an assist in the first quarter against New Orleans, Paul recorded three assists in the first five minutes of the second quarter to reach the milestone.

“Yeah, it’s wild,” Paul said of the achievement following Friday’s loss to Sacramento. “Five years ago, I saw that number and thought, ‘Man, are you going to play long enough to do that?’ Seriously.

“I remember being a rookie, looking up in Utah and seeing John Stockton as the all-time leader in steals and assists. So yeah, it’s kind of crazy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to still be playing.”

Congrats @CP3 on an incredible achievement  pic.twitter.com/8On7ZcvGUp

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 9, 2024

Paul played four seasons with New Orleans, when the franchise was known as the Hornets, after being selected fourth overall in the 2005 NBA Draft. He was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he spent six seasons before moving on to Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and Golden State, before signing with San Antonio in the offseason.

After primarily coming off the bench with the Warriors last season, Paul is now averaging 10.4 points, 8.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds this season as a starter for the Spurs.