The Unretired Legend: Will Chris Paul's No. 3 Clippers Jersey Ever Hang In The Rafters?

The legacy of Chris Paul’s No. 3 Los Angeles Clippers jersey is one of the most compelling and debated topics in modern NBA history, especially as of late 2025. After a recent, brief, and ultimately surprising end to a potential final stint with the franchise, the conversation has shifted from a simple retrospective to an urgent question: Will the "Point God" be the first player to have his number retired by the Clippers? His six seasons in Los Angeles fundamentally altered the team's identity, transforming them from a league punchline into perennial playoff contenders, yet the franchise has famously never retired a jersey, making Paul’s case a historical crossroads.

Dating back to his arrival in 2011, Paul's tenure was defined by the electrifying "Lob City" era, an unforgettable period of high-flying basketball that captivated the city and cemented a new, exciting chapter in Clippers history. The iconic red, white, and blue No. 3 jersey became synonymous with winning, elite point guard play, and a cultural shift for the organization. The fact that the jersey remains officially unretired is a point of contention for many fans and analysts, highlighting the unique and complicated nature of his departure and the team's tradition—or lack thereof—in honoring its legends.

Christopher Emmanuel Paul Sr.: Biography and Clippers Profile

Christopher Emmanuel Paul Sr., better known by his nickname "CP3" or "The Point God," is one of the most decorated and influential point guards of his generation. His time with the Los Angeles Clippers, wearing the iconic No. 3 jersey, is arguably the most transformative period of his career for a single franchise.

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• Full Name: Christopher Emmanuel Paul Sr.
• Nickname: CP3, The Point God
• Born: May 6, 1985
• Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
• Clippers Tenure: 2011–12 to 2016–17 (Six Seasons)
• Clippers Jersey Number: 3
• Clippers Career Stats (Average): 18.2 points, 9.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in 425 games.
• Clippers Accolades: Paul earned multiple NBA All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defensive selections during his six seasons in Los Angeles.
• Teams Played For: New Orleans/OKC Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs.

The Enduring Legacy of the 'Lob City' No. 3

The moment Chris Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in December 2011, the franchise's trajectory changed overnight. Paul, alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, instantly formed the core of what became known globally as "Lob City." This era was defined by spectacular, above-the-rim basketball, orchestrated by Paul's masterful court vision and elite passing.

The No. 3 jersey became the symbol of this high-octane offense, which Paul led to become one of the most impressive and watchable units in the league. His tape from this period is considered "must-watch" for aspiring point guards due to his leadership and offensive control.

During Paul’s six seasons, the Clippers transformed from a team that had only made the playoffs four times in its previous 37 years to a perennial 50-win contender, consistently winning over 60% of their games each season. This shift in identity is perhaps the most significant part of Paul's legacy. He didn't just bring talent; he brought credibility, professionalism, and a winning culture to a franchise long starved of success. The impact of the "Lob City" team on the Clippers' fan base and brand remains immeasurable, setting the stage for the team’s current era of title contention.

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The Ultimate Debate: Should CP3 Be the Clippers' First Retired Jersey?

The most compelling aspect of Chris Paul's No. 3 jersey is the history—or lack thereof—surrounding it. The Los Angeles Clippers are famously the only franchise in the NBA that has never retired a jersey number. This unique distinction places Paul and his former teammate Blake Griffin at the center of a historical debate.

Many analysts and fans argue that Paul's No. 3 jersey *must* be the first to be retired. His role in establishing the franchise as a legitimate contender, his statistical dominance (18.2 points and 9.6 assists per game), and his global popularity during the "Lob City" years make his case exceptionally strong. He is unequivocally considered a franchise legend.

The Case For Retirement

• Franchise Transformation: Paul was the catalyst that ended decades of losing, ushering in the most successful era in the team's history up to that point.
• Statistical Excellence: He holds numerous franchise records and was consistently an MVP-level player during his tenure.
• Cultural Impact: The No. 3 jersey is instantly recognizable as the symbol of the exciting "Lob City" era, a period of unprecedented buzz and media attention for the Clippers.
• Setting a Precedent: Retiring Paul’s number would finally acknowledge the team's history and set a standard for future legends.

The Complicated Narrative and Recent Events

The debate gained fresh urgency with recent developments in Paul's career. His brief return to the franchise, followed by an unexpected trade/exit, brought his complicated relationship with the team back into the spotlight. While the departure in 2017 was somewhat tumultuous, the recent events have solidified the consensus among many that he deserves the honor. Even former teammate Blake Griffin, whose own No. 32 is also a candidate, has been drawn into the conversation about jersey retirement.

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Ultimately, the decision to retire Chris Paul’s No. 3 jersey rests with the organization. Given his status as arguably the greatest point guard in their history and the undeniable impact he had on the franchise’s culture and success, many believe it is not a question of *if*, but *when*, the Clippers will finally break tradition and raise the first banner into the rafters of their new arena, honoring the "Point God" and the unforgettable "Lob City" years.