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OKC Thunder: 3 reasons Chris Paul has won us over

By Luke Duffy

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball on offense against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball on offense against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Oklahoma City Thunder
Chris Paul, OKC Thunder (Photo by Kim Klement – Pool/Getty Images) /

3. He’s still brilliant

You can say what you like about Paul, but since entering the league he has been consistently excellent no matter what franchise he has played for. In fact it is hard to even remember him having a period in the NBA where he didn’t play at a high level.

Despite being undersized even for a guard, and at age 34, Paul is still a fantastic player who is extremely productive on the court. So much so that he ranks 10th in the league in win shares, and can be found ahead of plenty of star players.

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Some of his other advanced numbers aren’t where they once were, his PER for example, although well above average, is down considerably on his best years. But given his age and where he is playing, it is still a solid number (21.7, league average is 15). Averaging 17.8 points and 6.8 assists isn’t a bad return either, and managing to stay healthy has been key.

This high level from Paul extends to his play defensively as well, as despite giving up height in plenty of matchups, Paul has been among the best guard defenders in the league for well over a decade. His crafty veteran ways and high basketball IQ meaning he can hang with the best of them. He is also averaging 2.2 steals per game across his entire career.

Paul has no problem going at bigger players too and often comes out on top. A 10 time All-Star, this season saw Paul make it back to the midseason showcase for the first time in three years (he didn’t make it during his two year stint with the Rockets, or his last year with the Clippers when things fell apart).

Given that the All-Star game is largely a popularity contest to fans (with coaches doing their best to fill out the roster with deserving players), it is telling that Paul made a reappearance. Statistically, he wasn’t as good as in previous seasons either, which reinforces the idea that he has become more liked around the league.

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