Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder during the summer of 2019.
At the time, many had written off Paul as an elite point guard in the NBA.
However, the future Hall of Famer went on to have a fantastic season where he led OKC to the NBA playoffs.
That year, Paul had averages of 17.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.6 steals per contest while shooting 48.9% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range in 70 games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reacts To Chris Paul News
Recently, Paul announced that he retired from the NBA.
Via Polymarket Hoops: “Chris Paul has officially retired from the game of basketball: 21 seasons 12x All-Star 11x All-NBA 9x All-Defensive Team 6x Steals Champ 5x Assists Champ 2005-06 NBA ROTY NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team”
Following the news, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spoke about his former OKC teammate.
Gilgeous-Alexander (via Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder): “Chris was special for my career.. He was the standard for a point guard when I was growing up. Fast forward a couple years, he’s one of my closest friends. He’s been special to me.. Honestly, it’s sad the way it’s happened. I thought he’d get his flowers a little differently. But that’ll never change what he’s done for this game. I’m proud of him.”
Many people see Paul’s time with the Thunder as a huge positive in the development of Gilgeous-Alexander.
The All-Star guard is now one of the best three players in the NBA.
He is currently averaging 31.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 55.4% from the field and 39.0% from three-point range in 49 games.
Via Legion Hoops: “Chris Paul’s impact can’t be understated. Traded to the Thunder, bought in, and mentored a young SGA… look how that turned out. The definition of moving the game forward.”
Right now, the Thunder are the first seed in the Western Conference with a 42-14 record in 56 games.
They will play their next game on Friday night when they host the Brooklyn Nets.
Last season, the Thunder won the NBA title over the Indiana Pacers.
As for Paul, he also spent time playing for the LA Clippers, New Orleans Hornets, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets over part of 21 seasons.
His career averages were 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals per contest while shooting 46.9% from the field and 37.0% from three-point range in 1,370 games.
While Paul never won an NBA Championship, he reached the 2021 Finals with the Suns (and appeared in 149 total playoff games).
