Jason Kidd on Chris Paul Passing Him for No. 2 on NBA Assist List: “Well Deserved, Incredible”

Jason Kidd praises Chris Paul for passing him on the NBA’s all-time assists list, calling it “well deserved” and reflecting on Stockton’s untouchable record.

Chris Paul passed Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd for second place on the NBA’s all-time assists list Sunday night, recording his 12,099th career assist during the San Antonio Spurs’ 121-116 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Kidd, now head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, graciously acknowledged Paul’s accomplishment after Monday’s practice.

“Well deserved, incredible. Future Hall of Fame,” Kidd told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Had a lot of great teammates. Assists, you need a partner. Congratulations to him and what he’s accomplished, and he’s not done. I don’t know if he can catch (John) Stockton—I don’t think anyone can catch Stockton. But for Chris to be second, that’s big time.”

Kidd reflected on holding the No. 2 spot for so long and emphasized the challenge of Stockton’s record of 15,806 assists, which he considers untouchable.

“Yes, when you talk about Chris Paul and a lot of the great point guards in this league, to be able to stay up there . . . unfortunately, I didn’t play long enough to catch Stockton, but that number is very impressive when you look at not just the assists, but steals,” Kidd said. “Stockton’s not really mentioned in the top five of point guards. He should always be in the top two with the things he’s accomplished.”

Chris Paul Reflects on Longevity and Adaptability

Paul, who has played for six different teams over a 20-year career, credited longevity and adaptability for his success.

“In changing teams, I sort of had to evolve my game,” Paul said. “You go from being the man to having the ball in your hands the whole time. I’ve had an opportunity to play with a lot of greats. So just being willing to learn and adjust and adapt to the way the league’s going.”

Paul also reflected on his rivalry and camaraderie with Kidd, who mentored him during their time together on the 2008 U.S. Olympic “Redeem Team.”

“Yeah, he got his hundredth triple-double against me in Dallas, the last game of the (2007-08) season,” Paul said. “I mean, NBA was a little different then. It wasn’t like 3-and-D guys, I had to guard these 6-7 point guards, you know what I mean? So, J. Kidd, along with a lot of greats, taught me a lot.”

Chris Paul Honored by San Antonio Spurs After Milestone Moment

Following the game, the Spurs celebrated Paul in the locker room. Acting head coach Mitch Johnson presented him with the game ball, and Paul’s teammates doused him with water in a joyful display of camaraderie.

“The thing that sticks out to me is (that he) passed Magic Johnson, Jason Kidd, one of the records that I think a lot of people say may not get passed or (gotten) to,” Johnson said. “And you see this guy, over 12,000 assists. The teams he’s done it on, the way he’s done it, the way his game’s evolved, his presence on the court, what he does dictating and manipulating games, making people better … it’s one of a kind.”

Johnson added, “We are witnessing greatness and a lot of us have competed against him. We’ve all watched him. And to be able to experience it firsthand is a privilege. And he’s still doing that at a high, high level and we are grateful for that. He deserves all the praise and attention that comes with that because it’s a hell of an honor.”

Cementing a Legacy

Paul, a five-time assists leader, 12-time All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist, thanked his family and support system for helping him navigate the ups and downs of his career.

“Thank God for the family I have and the support system,” Paul said. “Those are the people who pick me up every time I’ve fallen.”

While Kidd acknowledged that Stockton’s record may be out of reach, he praised Paul’s continued contributions to the game.

“I don’t know who’s next in line to pass me, but records are meant to be broken, and someone will catch Chris at some point,” Kidd said. “I just don’t know if somebody can catch Stockton.”

Paul’s achievement adds another chapter to his illustrious career and solidifies his place among the greatest point guards in NBA history.