The vet – Chris Paul:
Since James Harden was traded to the Rockets the depth behind Westbrook has vacillated between a barren desert and the occasional producers. Given the lack of teams with an available salary cap, it also means Chris Paul should start the year in Oklahoma City.
With his recent relationship troubles in Houston doing nothing to help his image Paul has an opportunity in OKC to revamp that situation. Aside from the fact Paul wants to play for a contender, this is also important for the Thunder. Although CP3 is no longer a top 10 player his 14 years of experience and knowledge will be a valuable asset to SGA specifically. And a motivated Chris Paul can’t hurt the overall effect on the roster.
His 15.6 points, 8.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 35.8 perimeter shooting achieved last season will also be a welcome addition.
An upcoming article will focus on lineup options and no doubt will dive into pairing Paul with SGA who are both point guards, however, SGA’s height will afford Billy Donovan the option of playing them together. And, for a team whose struggled to get extra playmaking on the floor that has to be one of the key positives on this OKC Thunder iteration.