OKC Thunder: Regrading Russell Westbrook trade to Rockets – one year later
Chris Paul – the leadership DNA
Yet, perhaps the greatest value Chris Paul brought to the OKC Thunder can’t be measured with stats. Culture and identity are terms franchises try to define and establish. With Westbrook departing for Houston a big portion of those intangibles was also leaving. That Paul became his replacement allowed the franchise to retain their culture and tweak their identity.
The future of the franchise, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the prime recipient of the benefits given he’s learning from a future Hall of Famer while simultaneously witnessing how to lead a winning team. That the two have forged a sibling-like relationship was the icing on the cake.
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Likewise, rookie Darius Bazley has formed a bond with the Point God and SGA that extends off the court as well. Danilo Gallinari calls Paul the best leader he’s played with over his decade of professional experience. Adams and Paul have developed that unspoken language generally witnessed between point guards and centers over years playing together.
And, perhaps most impressively, Paul’s impact on Dennis Schroder is palpable. The German guard will likely (or should if the pundits get it right) collect the Sixth Man Award this season.
What many believed was an untradeable contract has become one with value and more importantly one where all the leverage lies with the Thunder.
While there are those who still believe the team should tank it’s important to note OKC won’t be in the same salary situation next season so it’ s not essential to trade Paul immediately (or at all).
Should Sam Presti elect to shift his R & R position later next season CP3’s contract value and candidly a 2019-20 season that should find him garnering candidacy for MVP (although not as a front runner) will carry a high return. If you doubt that fact, remember what Presto Presti got in return for the “unmoveable Carmelo Anthony”.
With that, we dive into grading the teams one year after the trade with emphasis on the 64 games each team has played to date.