HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 09: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket ... [+]
Upon Russell Westbrook being traded to Houston for a package headlined by Chris Paul, we all thought there was a good chance Paul would be moved once again prior to the start of the 2019-20 season. With just over two weeks until the start of the regular season, it appears he is going nowhere.
While there are many reasons Thunder fans may have wanted to trade Chris Paul prior to the start of the upcoming season, you have to take a step back and look at the situation at hand. A few of the reasons some might think Paul should already have been traded include his age, his contract, and the logjam he creates at the point guard position. While all of these things are negative outlooks on what Paul brings to Oklahoma City, perhaps they are actually all positive.
Due to his age, Paul has the experience and guidance a young player like Shai-Gilegous Alexander needs early in his career. Although his contract is arguably one of the worst in the NBA, it ensures that Oklahoma City has the flexibility to bring on an expiring contract in a deal involving young players or draft picks to the Thunder in a deal for Paul down the road. While Paul being added to the roster means Oklahoma City has three starting-caliber point guards, it also means Gilgeous-Alexander will get to spend time off the ball and expand his versatility on both ends of the floor.
For many Thunder fans, this is their second stint with Chris Paul on their hometown team. In the 2005-06 and 2006-07 NBA seasons, he played for the New Orleans Hornets who were relocated to Oklahoma City in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. As a member of the Oklahoma City Hornets, Paul was a major factor in the success of the temporary team in Oklahoma City which ultimately showed the city could handle a team full-time.
When asked at Thunder Media Day how he feels about being in Oklahoma City, Paul seemed happy to be back. “I am excited. It’s definitely different being back. You know, I had the opportunnity to start my career here in 2005.” After having so much success his first time in what back then was the Ford Center, Paul seems comfortable playing on a team surrounded by uncertainty in the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
On Media Day Paul also mentioned how different it would be this time around. His first stint in Oklahoma City, he was a 20 year old living with just his brother. Now, with a wife and two kids, he is at a different point in his life. Paul mentioned his family would not be moving to Oklahoma City, but would be visiting as much as possible.
As the lead facilitator for the Thunder this upcoming season, Paul will have the opportunity to prove he is still an elite point guard in the NBA and increase his trade value. As a former NBA Rookie of the Year winner during his time in Oklahoma City, Paul will look to have another great year in the 2019-20 season. It is time for Oklahoma City Thunder fans to embrace Chris Paul.
