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OKC Thunder: Ranking 3 former stars’ chances of winning NBA Finals

By Mark Nilon

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 09: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles get ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 9, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 09: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles get ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 9, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
OKC Thunder (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The OKC Thunder have built up a winning culture throughout their 14-year existence and, even though they may not be gearing up for a playoff run themselves in 2020-21, the team’s presence can be felt all throughout the league, especially amongst the top-tier teams in the standings.

When breaking down the rosters for some of the NBA’s legitimate contenders, one will find that former members of the Thunder franchise are playing pivotal roles and, in many cases, leading the charge for these respective ball clubs.

Though there can only be one champion, it seems likely that there will be a key member from Oklahoma City’s past hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy come year’s end.

Today, we at TI break down the 3 most likely former OKC Thunder stars to win the 2021 NBA Finals:

Former OKC Thunder player No. 3) Chris Paul

First on the list, we find the player that spent the least amount of time with the OKC Thunder, Chris Paul.

Traded to the franchise in the Russell Westbrook deal back during the summer of 2019, the veteran point guard was initially viewed as a salary matcher in the exchange with the Houston Rockets.

Upon his arrival to the Sooner State, due to his injury troubles during the previous few seasons coupled with his massive 4-year, $159 million contract, CP3 had little value attached to his name heading into the 2019-20 campaign.

However, through 70 regular-season games played, Paul managed to flip the switch on his reputation, as he put up per-game averages of 17.6 points, 6.7 assists, five rebounds, and 1.6 steals on 49 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from deep.

In turn, the future Hall of Famer earned himself his 10th All-Star nod and his ninth All-NBA selection all while guiding the Thunder to the fifth seed in the Western Conference standings and an all-out exciting seven-game series against Houston.

Come the offseason, both Paul and the franchise mutually agreed it was in both of their best interests to part ways and, by November, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns.

Fast forward five months later and we find that the Point God is having himself yet another fantastic season, earning his 11th All-Star selection while guiding the team to what currently is the second-best record in the entire league at 43-18.

With long-term home-court advantage seemingly on the horizon for Phoenix, it appears that a deep postseason run is well within the realm of possibility.

That said, when comparing his situation to the other 3 former OKC stars found on this list, there’s little justification for moving Chris Paul up higher than the third slot when it comes to championship contention.

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