The OKC Thunder starting backcourt showcased their humor following practice Saturday
The OKC Thunder hit day 10 in the bubble on Saturday and took to the practice court as they continue to prepare for the season restart. As is typical, following a practice session the head coach Billy Donovan and some players speak to the media in a virtual setting.
Donovan spoke about Nerlens Noel’s ankle tweak and how he is participating in practice with restrictions. Noel isn’t involved in contact but is able to jog and participate in non-contact segments of the practice. The head coach also spoke about the versatility of Darius Bazley and the future potential for the rookie to develop into a player who could play multiple positions.
As for the player interviews, it was the heavy hitters who spoke on Saturday although only one was scheduled.
Captain Chris Paul was the first to talk while his backcourt partner and franchise cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander weighing in on the interview.
Chris Paul speaks post-practice
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The OKC Thunder starting backcourt are seldom seen apart on or off the court. Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have developed one of those bonds that franchises and coaches pray will happen to teammates. When it does the product on the court is reflected and that’s what’s occurring in OKC.
When Sam Presti traded for Paul no doubt he hoped Paul would offer insight on the game and help expedite SGA’s development. What the team got is far more than that.
Whether SGA is accompanying Chris Paul to his interview with Taylor Rooks, keeping score in a cornhole match between CP3 and rookie Bazley, making TikTok videos or fishing in the bubble this duo has a strong bond. One that Paul recently referred to as being like a brother.
Following practice on Saturday as Chris Paul spent a good portion of his interview time discussing the loss of civil rights heroes C.T. Vivian and John Lewis. In reflecting on the loss of the two men, Paul admitted it had him thinking about his kids and teaching them.
The other questions he answered were team-related including touching on the two youngsters he’s formed a special friendship with off the court.
Regarding Bazley, Paul said their conversations are less about basketball and more life-related and being a man. As for Gilgeous-Alexander, CP3 believes he’ll be a star in the NBA.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got in the last question to Chris Paul today.
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) July 18, 2020
“How does it feel having Shai as a teammate?” pic.twitter.com/pCYzuXB5k7
As if on cue, SGA showed up at the end of the interview to ask CP3 if he felt like Robin to Shai’s Batman and what it was like having Shai as a teammate.
Paul delivered his response like a seasoned comic on stage – “It’s like having an older version of little Chris around“. Paul of course is referring to his son and with that answer, SGA pronounced ‘interview over’.
This is typical of the duo’s interaction and should have Thunder Nation feeling confident as the season restart inches closer. While there are numerous dynamics the teams cannot prepare for and adjustments of playing in a bubble the one factor team’s will benefit from is strong chemistry. And that dear Thunder fans is something this squad has in the bank!