After trading Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets on July 12, the prevailing thought was that the Oklahoma City Thunder - who were acquiring future Hall of Famer Chris Paul in the deal along with draft picks - were headed for a rebuild, and that Paul would be shipped to a contending team in the not so distant future.
After all, after years of being in the mix with the Los Angeles Clippers, and then playing alongside James Harden on a western conference finals team, why would Paul want to surround himself with a green group of 20 somethings who have yet to experience a taste of big time playoff basketball? Look at their roster, and the only guys with much experience are Danilo Gallinari and Steven Adams.
Well, the answer to all of the above now lies in where the Thunder sit as we are 10 days into the new year, which is 7th in a Western Conference they had no business being 7th in, with a record of 22-16 and being one of the league's surprise teams.
And it is Paul who is leading the charge.
On the season, the 34 year old (he turns 35 in May), is averaging 16.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and his 1.6 steals per game are good for 10th in the league. He spearheads a three guard platoon in the back court, where Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, a Most Improved Player candidate, averages 19.8/5.3/2.3, and Dennis Schroder averages 18.4 points per game. On any given night, any three of them can have a night and lead the team to victory.
But it was nights like Tuesday in Brooklyn, where Paul showed his worth to his new team and why his role as a leader to the group is so valuable. In the overtime, 111-103 win, Paul went for 28 points in 38 minutes, including 4 three pointers. With 2:30 left and the Thunder down 99-93, Paul got hot from mid-range, leading an 8-2 run that tied the game at 101. The visitors were then able to comfortably put the game away in the extra period.
Last night, against his former team the Rockets, Paul scored less, but was still very good with a well-rounded 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. One of the best at controlling the pace of the game, he does a great job getting his teammates open looks, is a crafty ball handler and still very good on the defensive end.
What many thought he wouldn't be in Oklahoma City, he is proving to be. And although teams like the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Phoenix Suns have yet to build their chemistry with their full compliment of players and will push for a playoff spot, the Thunder look primed to make the playoffs as they currently hold a five game lead over the 8th place San Antonio Spurs.
And they have their veteran point guard to thank.
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