Chris Paul Eyes Future as He Approaches 40

San Antonio, TX — Chris Paul, the veteran guard for the San Antonio Spurs, has confirmed that he plans to continue his NBA career as he approaches his 40th birthday next month. Despite the challenges faced by the Spurs this season, including injuries to superstar Victor Wembanyama and head coach Gregg Popovich, Paul remains optimistic about his future in the league.

“I’ll be 40 in May. So, yeah man, I’m going to keep playing, I think,” Paul told Andscape. “At the end of every season, I evaluate everything. Evaluate playing. Evaluate how my body feels. But the more years that go by, it’s more conversations with my family, with my kids. They have a lot of say so.”

Paul, a 20-year NBA veteran, was selected by the New Orleans Hornets with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft and has since transformed into a future Hall of Famer. With accolades that include 12 All-Star selections and being a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, the 6-foot, 175-pound guard is set to turn 40 on May 6. He currently ranks as the second-oldest player in the NBA, just behind LeBron James.

This season, Paul has averaged a career-low 8.8 points and 7.6 assists while starting all 76 games the Spurs have played. With the expectation that rookie guard Stephon Castle will take over the starting position next season, speculation surrounds Paul’s future on the court.

<p“The things that happened with Pop and Vic are bigger than the game,” Paul said, reflecting on the season that has seen both significant injuries and the team missing the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year. “It’s extremely tough. I’ve played against Pop for a number of years. It’s a huge reason why I came here. But getting to know him the way that I have trumps any other thing that’s going on.”

Paul’s journey has not been without hurdles. He recalls starting his career in a displaced New Orleans team due to Hurricane Katrina, enduring a vetoed trade to the Lakers, and navigating through multiple playoff disappointments. Despite these challenges, Paul’s commitment to the game remains strong.

<p“My love for the game is even higher now,” he said. “My son hoots. My daughter hoots. And I think the most challenging thing now is I love giving back to teammates, and I want to give some of that knowledge to my kids, too.”

With his wife, Jada, and teenage children living in Los Angeles, Paul reflects on the sacrifices made for his career. The logistics of playing in San Antonio present an added challenge, but he remains committed to his family. “It’s tough, but things could be a lot worse,” he said. “I’m still able to play. Just like any parent, I definitely miss my kids and my wife.”

Paul’s contract with the Spurs is set to expire at the end of the season, opening the door for potential transitions. He has been instrumental in mentoring younger players on the team, including guard De’Aaron Fox, who praised Paul’s influence. “What he’s done at 6-foot for 20 years, I feel like people don’t give him the credit that he deserves,” Fox said.

Even as he encourages young talents, Paul acknowledges he listens to his retired friends. He confides he is also aware of the importance of family conversations regarding his future in basketball. “My body feels great, to tell you the truth,” he stated. “I have routines and things like that, but I definitely have been able to learn things along the way.”

For now, Paul continues to prepare for the Spurs’ final games of the season, including a potential last matchup against the Toronto Raptors on April 13. His future in the league remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Paul still has the passion and drive to compete at the highest level.