NBA Rumors: Chris Paul Guiding Rising Thunder Guard To Stardom

One of the things Chris Paul is tasked to do with the Oklahoma City Thunder is to guide the young guards in the fold. That would include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who has been at the forefront of the Thunder campaign. And it appears whatever the veteran guard is telling the sophomore guard is working wonders.

Paul shared with the Bleacher Report some of the things he constantly tells Gilgeous-Alexander. He starts by telling him about his past experiences, particularly when it comes to guarding the best opposing guards the NBA has produced. The list includes Allen Iverson and Gilbert Arenas. He reminds the 21-year-old that there will be times when it would be a rough day in the office. However, he also plants in the guard's mind that Gilgeous-Alexander should also consider thinking that whoever is guarding him may not be good at defending or shutting him down.

Paul's approach seems to be working with Gilgeous-Alexander rising to the occasion. This season, the 6-foot-5 guard has played in 58 games averaging 19.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists, per Basketball-Reference.com. These are career-best numbers with Gilgeous-Alexander logging 35.5 minutes per game.

Together both are a big reason why the Thunder have bucked the odds. OKC is at the fifth spot of the Western Conference with a 37-22 mark, barely ahead of the Utah Jazz. Their position could improve if they continue their winning ways. They are on a five-game winning streak and have 23 games to make their move.

Either way, the Thunder have already rebuffed critics with their showing this 2019-20 NBA season. The team is actually in rebuild mode but somehow, head coach Billy Donovan has found a way to make it work. Oklahoma City is showing a lot of promise and their overachievement this season is a step in the right direction.

Paul himself has been surprising detractors. Often injured the past two seasons, the 34-year-old has been playing well, averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds. But the glaring thing here is that he has played for 57 games and is still going strong.

In what was initially perceived to be a temporary stopover has become home for the fourth overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft. He carries a hefty contract but is showing he is worth every penny. Though his name is still mentioned in NBA trade rumors, plucking him away may have gotten a lower chance. CP3 is thriving both as a player and a mentor and the Thunder are enjoying the ride.