The Jump panel debated if Chris Paul is genuinely happy with his new team and proved why this is a win-win for the OKC Thunder.
Rachel Nichols and the panel at The Jump are gearing up for the new season just like the rest of the NBA loving public. Friday’s segment of The Jump opened with a feature on Chris Paul. More specifically the panel of Nichols, Amin Elhassan and Richard Jefferson pondered the accuracy of CP3’s assertion he’s happy to be with the OKC Thunder. The segment deserves viewing and either a straight-up debate or at minimum, further discussion.
Specifically, the group dove into whether the narrative Chris Paul is selling about being happy with the OKC Thunder and not necessarily intent on leaving immediately is true.
Nichols at least is buying what Paul is selling and noted some specifics on why CP3’s stance makes sense:
- Paul was the star left without a playoff team when musical chair free agency ended
- CP3 insists it’s not true: You know it’s funny, cause a lot of people try to tell your truth or try to tell your story and say what you want. But I’m excited about the opportunity, excited about our team and excited about building” (from media day – see video below)
- Nichols notes how he spent the past two seasons trying to fit in on someone else’s team in a style not conducive to him (not handling ball).
- Paul’s reputation took a hit as he once again was cited as a malcontent. This is the second consecutive team in a row where this occurred.
- The vet is being labeled as “old” and “injury-prone”.
- Plus the evidence of the stats shows precisely how much Paul had to give up to play with James Harden.
Chris Paul has made a career out of his vision, seeing plays before they develop, and the inches here or there that make all the difference. So it’s no surprise that even if he didn’t intend to end up in OKC, he sees the angles on how to make it work there. pic.twitter.com/bhD9ZIrqci
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) October 4, 2019
Like all good debates, the statistics help defend the narrative.
However, the difference between Paul’s per 36 minutes production when he played with Harden versus when he played without him is stark. Almost every major stat category doubles.
Paired with Harden the veteran point guard scored 15.1 points, dished 6.8 assists and attempted 11.9 shots from the field. In contrast, playing without the bearded man those numbers skyrocket to 24.6 points, 12 dimes, and 18.3 shot attempts. Also noteworthy is Paul averaged 19 points and 10 assists per 36 minutes in the 12 seasons prior to his last two in Houston.
Elhassan offered great insight stating “It’s not the stats, it’s the involvement. There’s a difference between I didn’t get my numbers and man I didn’t do anything. I stood in a corner and watched somebody else do stuff. And, when your Chris Paul and literally your entire basketball life the ball has been in his hands. The main decision maker, the main playmaker, the main engine that makes whatever team he’s been on tick and go. It’s hard to then just be a bystander.”
While analytics and statistics can provide the necessary context in this case even the eye test and past history offer further confirmation on why Paul seems happier in OKC. Hey, the fact he doesn’t have to constantly defer to Harden and is deemed the smartest guy on the hardwood is probably a good reason why the guard is constantly sporting a huge grin.
At 34 the veteran point guard is definitely at the stage of his career in which winning a ring is a priority. On the other hand, being in a happy work environment can’t be discounted.
As per his assertion that he’s content being in OKC, it’s a fair statement. At least for now. The best case scenario for CP3 would be if OKC can get through the first portion of the season and be in the mix of the top Western clubs. That in itself will be a challenge given the opening schedule.
Moreover, if Paul can showcase his ability to lead the young Thunder while also posting stats closer to his career production it improves his stock. In turn, that should open up his opportunities to more than the Miami Heat (the one team cited as showing interest).
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- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Playing devil’s advocate, perhaps Paul believes the Thunder can be in the mix similar to how the Clippers were last season. With the stockpile of draft picks there is also a chance (a long shot but possible) that Sam Presti elects to upgrade at the deadline especially if the team is overperforming.
Regardless of these factors, it behooves the veteran to remind GMs why he was once considered the best leader in the association.
As easily as his stock has fallen and his leadership came into question if the James Harden – Russell Westbrook experiment fails the bearded man could fall into the same trap. Each of Dwight Howard and Paul had issues with Harden so if Westbrook also suffers fingers could get pointed at Harden.
For the moment, Chris Paul is fitting in with his new club and embracing his role. The practical side of us has to believe his true desire will be landing with a club destined to be in the mix for the gold ball this season.
If Paul is successful in reaching that objective it also should serve to benefit the OKC Thunder since the better he performs the higher (or rather better quality of package) Sam Presti’s asking price will be.
That’s a win-win scenario and one the OKC Thunder fans should be content to let play out.