Two 4-0 sweeps sent the Lakers and 76ers—two of the NBA’s most high-profile teams—packing from this year’s playoffs. LeBron James, at 41, was swept by the Thunder, accelerating whispers of his retirement, while a hobbled Joel Embiid exited in similar fashion, trapped in the endless “Trust the Process” cycle. Yet amid the fallout, one name has surfaced repeatedly in social media debates: Chris Paul.
When the New York Knicks swept the 76ers, Paul sat in his Los Angeles home with family and friends, watching Jalen Brunson evolve before their eyes—just as he had tracked the Knicks’ comeback from a first-round deficit against the Hawks. During that early series, after the Knicks dismantled Atlanta by 51 points, fans latched onto Paul’s name online.
“They all know that once the game is out of reach, I yell, ‘Go break the record,'” Paul joked on a podcast, referencing the 58-point playoff loss his Hornets suffered against the Nuggets in 2009—a wound he has carried for over a decade.
This season, Paul, also 41, ended his 21-year career on a somber note—no farewell tour, no storybook exit. But as the playoffs deepen, his name and signature phrases keep popping up. As ESPN noted in a feature this postseason, Paul never truly left.
**A Mentor for Generations of Undersized Guards**
The Knicks became the first team to reach the conference semifinals, and throughout both rounds, Brunson’s name has been tied to Paul’s. Over the past few years, Paul’s influence was most often linked to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, De’Aaron Fox, and Victor Wembanyama. Now, Brunson’s story is being told more widely.
Brunson’s connection to Paul dates back to his teenage years. His father, Rick Brunson, played nine NBA seasons and crossed paths with Paul when the veteran was a rookie on the Clippers. Over time, Rick began training with Paul in the summer, introducing his son to the future Hall of Famer.
“Paul always says small guards need that relentless edge,” said Brunson, himself 6’1″. “He’s been a huge influence on me—playing against him, learning from him. It’s an honor.”
Brunson remembers Paul’s key advice: A true point guard makes the game follow him, not the other way around. That mindset has defined Brunson’s playoff run. In the first round, after a critical turnover in Game 3, he bounced back with 39 points in Game 5 and averaged 26.3 points with a +14 net rating for the series. Against the 76ers, he remained steady.
“He plays the game the same way every night—controls tempo, never gets rattled,” Brunson said. “That’s what I try to do.”
**Brother-in-Arms: The ‘Old Pro’ and the MVP**
After the Knicks eliminated the 76ers, the defending champion Thunder swept the Lakers. In two series, Oklahoma City dispatched Booker, whom Paul had mentored, and LeBron, Paul’s “banana boat” brother—while the Thunder’s young core all came through Paul’s orbit.
Booker called the Thunder “championship-caliber,” a phrase that echoes Paul’s teachings. The best example is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, last season’s MVP.
After a Thunder win in New Orleans, Alexander lingered in the locker room. There, where Paul once starred with the Hornets, the MVP spoke candidly: “He influenced an entire generation. We called him the Point God growing up. He’s incredible.”
In 2019, Paul and Alexander became Thunder teammates. One season turned Paul from star to mentor to family. He taught Alexander not just basketball, but professionalism—how to train, recover, eat, and handle outside noise. Alexander recalls: “He fights for every advantage, every win. He studies the rulebook, reads defenses, predicts plays. That’s what inspires me.”
Off the court, their bond deepened. Paul’s son wears No. 2 because of Alexander. Paul’s family stays up to watch Thunder games. In the 2025 playoffs, Paul attended the Western Conference finals to see Alexander receive his MVP trophy.
“It was surreal,” Alexander said. “I checked twice before realizing it was Paul. I thought, ‘Perfect.'”
Paul returned the praise: “Shai is a big part of my legacy, and even more of my life. I wouldn’t miss that moment.”
For Alexander, Paul is the reason he believed he could become a superstar. “If we win the title,” he said, “he’s the first person I thank.”
**Passing the Torch: Forever CP3**
ESPN noted that 31 players on 13 playoff teams have direct ties to Paul’s training camp or AAU program. That network began with the first CP3 Elite Point Guard Camp in 2008.
Since then, Paul has guided nearly 2,000 young players through his camps, AAU team, and leadership programs, with over 100 reaching the NBA. The list includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, De’Aaron Fox, Jamal Murray, Trae Young, DeMar DeRozan, Fred VanVleet, CJ McCollum, Malik Monk, Jordan Poole, Coby White, Jared McCain, and many more.
Stephen Curry, who barely missed the play-in this year, was a camper at that first session in 2008, before his Davidson College stardom.
“His camp started our friendship, which has lasted since my rookie year,” Curry said. “He loves the game and gives back. He’s influenced countless lives.”
The camp has launched many careers. Ja Morant threw down a posterizing dunk there in 2018. De’Aaron Fox and Dennis Smith Jr. squared off in 2016. Jas Richards, a 2026 rookie, attended in 2023.
Paul, retired since 2025, now dedicates more time to his camp and youth development. “I share everything,” he said. “I’m grateful for my career. If I can help young dreamers, I will.”
Beyond Brunson and Alexander, Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers and the Spurs’ Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama also owe debts to Paul—Mitchell for urging him to enter the draft early, and the Spurs duo for playing alongside him.
“These stories won’t be forgotten,” Paul’s brother and business partner said. “He’ll keep planting seeds for the next generation.”
In 2026, for the first time since entering the league in 2005, Paul watches the playoffs as a spectator. But his imprint shines everywhere on the floor.
