At the moment, the Oklahoma City Thunder are 21-16, comfortably in the 7th spot in the Western Conference standings, a good 5.0 games up on the 8th seeded San Antonio Spurs. A major reason for their success has been the presence of veteran point guard Chris Paul, who everyone initially thought would only temporarily be with the team after getting traded from the Rockets in the deal that sent Russell Westbrook to Houston. Instead of packing his bags before training camp for some other destination, Paul has settled in and done a nice job for this Thunder team, averaging 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
He could have complained and demanded a trade, but instead he went to work and is reaping the benefits. While not a championship contending team, the Thunder are a playoff level team that is not content being the 7th seed. Just 4.5 games back of Paul's former former team Los Angeles Clippers, the Thunder could end up with a top four seed in the playoffs if everything shakes out like they hope.
I haven't written much or perhaps anything about the Thunder this season, so I should make it known to all of you that it isn't just Paul that's playing well for them. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (19.8 points & 5.4 rebounds), Dennis Schröder (18.6 points), Danilo Gallinari (18.0 points & 5.6 rebounds), and Steven Adams (12.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, & 1.2 blocks) have been doing their part as well. With Paul inserted into the mix, the Thunder have five players scoring in double figures on average that are all capable of doing different things. Paul brings the facilitating, Alexander brings versatility at the wing, Schröder brings some depth at point guard, Gallinari brings perimeter shooting, and Adams brings a sound post presence.
This Thunder team is pretty well-rounded and as a result are playing very well. They're exceeding everyone's expectations and looking like a team that will not only make the playoffs, but perhaps win a series as well. What remains to be seen is what this team will do at the trade deadline. Whether they'll stand pat or make a move. Personally, I would expect them to stand pat and certainly not part with any of their top scorers, including Paul. Things are going well for them and they should see where this train ends.
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