Chris Paul Says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Development is the Most Impressive He Has Seen

Chris Paul spent just one season in Oklahoma City, but his impact stretches far beyond that year. He helped the Thunder's franchise centerpiece grow into the player he is today.

Chris Paul's lone season in Oklahoma City was one to remember, and the team is still benefitting from his leadership. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander often talks openly about the impact Paul had on his career — and the two are still close a few years later, too.

Much like last season, the CP3-led Thunder exceeded expectations by a wide margin. The team full of underdogs qualified for the playoffs and Paul's reputation was, once again, sky high. Oklahoma City went 44-28 in the season that was cut short by COVID-19. Once play resumed, the Thunder nearly knocked off the heavily favored Houston Rockets led by James Harden and Russell Westbrook, eventually losing in seven games.

On SloaneKnows Tik Tok channel, Paul mentioned that Thunder team in an interview. When asked about which player's development and growth over the course of his career has impressed him the most, Paul talked about his former Thunder teammate.

“Over my career, man I’d probably say Shai," Paul said. "I’m a little biased too because Shai is seriously like my brother. What’s wild about Shai, is I seen him in Vegas at Summer League he had got traded to OKC from the Clippers. I dapped him up and said it’s gonna be a great situation for you, you know I’m happy for you. Boom, maybe like five or six days later, I got traded to OKC too.

"That year in OKC was probably one of the most important years in my career. I got a chance to sort of reinvent myself, but Shai, (Darius) Baze, (Dennis) Schroder, Steven Adams, all the guys on that team sort of helped me fall back in love with the game. Not that I fell out of love with it, but just seeing Shai and being my teammate, and now seeing how his game has just gone to a whole nother level. I’m so happy for him.”

Paul is now suiting up for the Golden State Warriors, while Gilgeous-Alexander is looking for a second straight season in the MVP mix. His rise from promising rookie, to complimentary star, to All-NBA First Team has been incredibly impressive. Paul had a front row seat to the progression, and played a big part in helping Gilgeous-Alexander develop into who he is today.

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