OKC Thunder guard Chris Paul gets shady motivation via James Harden and Rockets owner Fertitta comments

OKC Thunder star point guard Chris Paul continues to receive motivation from his former team as Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and star James Harden dish out shady comments.

When the OKC Thunder traded Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Chris Paul many wondered if the All-Star point guard would even suit up with the squad. Given his advancing age, recent injury issues and an albatross of a contract however, trading CP3 won’t be a straight forward situation unless GM Sam Presti is prepared to attach multiple assets or picks.

Still, Paul’s overall production isn’t regressing dramatically and he arrives in Oklahoma with his typical chip on his shoulder but with a point to prove. Over the past few seasons, Paul has suffered untimely injuries including a hamstring pull which may or may not have been the reason why the Rockets weren’t the team advancing to the Finals in 2018.

Again last season CP3 dealt with injuries missing 17 games in a row between December 22 and January 25 and 24 games in total. This was the second consecutive season Paul played in just 58 games or 70 percent of the season.

Despite that, CP3 still managed to perform at a high level delivering 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 2.0 steals and shot just under 36 percent from the perimeter (35.8) on 6.1 attempts over an average of 32 minutes per game.

Those are stat lines many up and coming talents are desirous of. So keeping things in perspective, while the Wake Forest alum is 34 he brings 14 years of veteran savvy that isn’t diminishing at a rapid rate. Moreover, Paul is still desirous of winning a title.

The problem is Paul arrives in OKC following back to back situations where he is cited as being a locker room problem. Once considered the best leader in the NBA his last two teams would claim otherwise. Beefs with Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and Austin Rivers while with the Clippers followed by the situation which grew increasing caustic in Houston with James Harden haven’t helped his perceived ability to lead.

Nor is his former club letting sleeping dogs lie as they continue to drop comments which fall in the territory of digs or passive aggressive shade.