Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder: Everyone was wrong about Chris Paul’s contract

By Tamberlyn Richardson

MARCH 08: Chris Paul #3 of the OKC Thunder looks on after the game against the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
MARCH 08: Chris Paul #3 of the OKC Thunder looks on after the game against the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
DECEMBER 31: Nerlens Noel #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shares a conversation with teammate, Chris Paul #3 during the game against the Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Pro:

From the moment the trade happened, Chris Paul stepped up to the challenge. Although the OKC Thunder wasn’t a team he initially desired as a landing spot he didn’t sulk or request an immediate trade. Instead, he embraced his role and reached out to the players on his squad.

Consider what Andre Iguodala did this season and then ask yourself where would the Grizzlies rank if they had Iggy on the bench or in clutch time to help them turn some of their early-season losses into tangible teaching moments or better still — wins.

Kyrie Irving proved to be a player unable to motivate the assets on the Celtics last year and it remains to be seen if he’ll be a positive with his current team – the Nets who struggled to win when he was healthy and on the court.

There is a reason teams value veterans and especially ones who bring a professional approach to their clubs. Whether the vet is vocal or simply leads by example the better vets are the ones who help accelerate their team’s learning curve.

Chris Paul has taken that to an entirely new level this season.

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