Chris Paul Potentially Staying in OKC Could Do Wonders for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
After Chris Paul was shockingly dealt to the OKC Thunder for Russell Westbrook, it was expected CP3 would be moved to facilitate a rebuild.
But with those trade talks seeming to come to a halt, Paul may not be happy. Yet, it could be great for the development of new teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the future of the Thunder.
Story filed to ESPN: Oklahoma City’s discussions to move nine-time All-Star guard Chris Paul onto a new destination are parked and an increasing expectation exists that he will start the season with the Thunder.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 17, 2019
Chris Paul's move to OKC was expected to be a temporary arrangement while the team worked on trade deals for a better destination for Paul. But Paul's increasing age, likelihood of injury and heft contract made him an almost impossible piece to deal in the time allotted. The latest reports are saying that he is expected to start the season with the Thunder.
This is probably not what either party was expecting out of this deal, but there may be some good in it after all.
The Thunder were able to obtain All-Rookie point guard Gilgeous-Alexander through their trade agreement with the LA Clippers for Paul George. The young guard has plenty of talent, but could use some experience playing under or next to a polished legend like CP3.
Just want to take a moment to thank the Clippers organization for making my first pro year one to remember! Huge special thanks to the great fans that supported me throughout my rookie season! But I'm excited to get going in OKC! #Thunderup
— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (@shaiglalex) July 17, 2019
SGA pic.twitter.com/VsrYpg3OaT
In his first season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 10.8 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game while leading all rookies in minutes played (28.5 per game) and scoring.
With these numbers, there's no question that Gilgeous-Alexander can be the future of the Thunder, and that's where Chris Paul comes in.
Having Chris Paul to mentor a promising 20-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, plus 8 1st round picks in the next 4 drafts, and 15 in the next 7 is a pretty strong way for the #Thunder to rebuild a roster (in theory).
— Spotrac (@spotrac) July 12, 2019
As an eight-time All-NBA and nine-time All-Defense team member with 13 seasons under his belt, he is the perfect mentor to help shape Gilgeous-Alexander into an All-NBA level guard.
If trade negotiations for Paul continue through the season as they have through the summer, he may have to get used to the veteran mentor role as his career winds down.