Former OKC Thunder Veteran Guard, Team Mentor Rejoins L.A. Clippers

Chris Paul served as a significant mentor to a young Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during their shared 2019-20 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. As a veteran pass-first point guard with over a decade of experience, Paul guided the talented sophomore, helping him achieve a massive jump in production to nearly 20 points per game in the regular season. Paul's impactful play, averaging 21.3 points and 5.3 assists in the playoffs, also helped the Thunder reach the postseason.

Gilgeous-Alexander credits Paul's guidance during that season as crucial to his development, describing Paul as "not only like a big brother, a mentor, but just like a friend" who was "always there to lean on." He emphasized Paul was the first close figure in his life who had achieved his goals, providing invaluable advice on basketball, business, and body maintenance.

While Gilgeous-Alexander has continued to grow since then, Paul has moved between teams as his career winds down. Before the 2025-26 season, Paul indicated he has "at the most, a year" left in the NBA following his 20th season. He subsequently signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal to rejoin the LA Clippers, the team he played for from 2011-2017 during the "Lob City" era. This 21st season is potentially his last, marking a bittersweet return to his former team, though his impact on players like Gilgeous-Alexander and the league remains significant.