Oklahoma City Thunder: Chris Paul has transformed OKC into a playoff contender

Chris Paul has stepped up as the ultimate leader for a young OKC Thunder team, who are currently in a playoff spot at 21-16 in the Western Conference

A lot of people wrote off the Oklahoma City Thunder heading into this season. With Russell Westbrook and Paul George leaving the organization, critics were quick to say that Billy Donovan‘s team would have no chance of competing in a tough Western Conference.

They added Chris Paul, who was coming off his worst season from a scoring standpoint last year, while also trading for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari in the George trade from the Clippers. Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as their top bucket-getter this year dropping 19.8 points per game, while Gallinari has also put up solid numbers. This team has surprised everyone this season, sitting above .500 in 7th place in the west.

However, Paul has been the key to making this team run like a well-oiled machine. He’s averaging 16.6 points per contest while dishing out a team-best 6.5 assists. Paul also leads the Thunder with 1.5 steals per night. There’s no doubting his talents on the floor, but it’s what he brings to the table off the hardwood that has clearly proved to be instrumental in their success.

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The Thunder are one of the younger teams in the NBA, averaging 25.5 years of age. Gilgeous Alexander, who is their starting shooting guard, is in his second season at 21 years old. Dennis Schroder, who splits time with Paul at point guard, is just 26.

Having a player like Paul, a 15-year veteran, to offer leadership and wisdom to these younger players is absolutely crucial. He’s been around the game for a long time and he understands the ins and outs of basketball as a whole.

The 34-year-old has always been the focal point of his team’s offense, but he’s taken a secondary role in that category this season. Gilgeous-Alexander continues to prove he’s a building block for this franchise for many years to come with his nightly performances.

But his impressive play wouldn’t be possible without a great playmaker like Paul in the backcourt alongside him dishing him nifty passes.

In a recent interview with Bleacher Report, head coach Billy Donovan was quick to point out why Paul has been so important to their rebuild:

"“He’s been great on and off the floor. Obviously, he’s a Hall of Fame point guard, high IQ, really understands the game and studies the game.”“I think he’s been a great role model for a lot of our younger players, just because at 34 years old to see the investment he’s made into the game and into his body, how he gets himself prepared and ready to play.”-Donovan on Paul’s leadership"

The Thunder have proven they have what it takes to compete with some of the NBA’s elite teams, beating Toronto, Philly, and the Clippers this season, while also putting up two respectable fights against the Lakers.

They’re not going to be a championship team, but there is no doubt that they’ve exceeded expectations already. With Gilgeous-Alexander continuing to show out on a nightly basis and Paul mentoring the youngsters while working his magic on the court, this season has definitely been a success so far for Billy Donovan’s team.