This week in the NBA, the OKC Thunder moved to .500, thanks in large part to the play and leadership of Chris Paul
When the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Chris Paul in their blockbuster deal to trade away franchise cornerstone, Russell Westbrook. Many experts expected Paulโs stint in Oklahoma City to be rather short, so long as Sam Presti could find a suitor for Paulโs large contract.
Instead, what has transpired is a rather perfect partnership. Would Paul rather be on a contending team? Of course, he would. However, rather than pouting or disrupting chemistry, Paul has embraced his leadership role for the rebuilding Thunder.
How are things going in the 405? Keep scrolling to find out below:
Houston We Have a Problem
Donโt call it a comeback
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6KOvldB04z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Close-knit chemistry
Potty mouth
Oh yes there is
THE SCHRODIE
Kidโs are the best!
Steven Adams remains the best
Quite the impressive stat, for a fringe playoff team
The legendary story behind Steven Adamsโs suit
Please read the full thread. It features SA at his finest.
No really, kidโs are the best
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6O-RqqBBoT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The build-up
Swapping jerseys
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6R_rDtlfGh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Give the people what they want!
LeBron the influencer
This is pretty interesting
Preach Big Perk
More Perk analysis
SHAIVONTE!
Donโt look nowโฆ
Prideful family
Kevin Love is moving up the social ladder
Learn something new everyday
This is Russell Westbrook
Hey rumble
MEMO!
The first of many
Impressive company to be in
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6UpEbXI9vw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Ish Smith is one of only seven players in the 3-point era to record these statistics while scoring at least 20 points.
Bobi and Tobi FOREVER!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6UrCcUIAz7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Speaking the truth
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6V0hOzHHw7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The shade is strong with this one
Both sides of this argument are valid
Word of advice
Both are all-time great point guards, and both athletes will be first-ballot Hall-of-Famers someday. However, Westbrook and Paul are profoundly different players who cannot be compared.
Like father, like son
https://twitter.com/espn/status/1208571736645656576?s=20
It has become a tradition of this column to end it on a positive note. This week, I leave you with a video of Damian Lillard and his son Damian Jr. His teammate Carmelo Anthony can also be seen in the video sitting next to his own son, Kiyan. It is a heartwarming clip, but it leaves me pondering the future. Lillard, Westbrook, and Steph Curry all have sons, who are roughly the same age, perhaps someday down the line, we will see these All-Star descendants follow in their fatherโs footsteps.
Check back next week for a special holiday-themed edition of NBA Sunday Social.