OKC Thunder Mailbag: How should Chris Paul be honored for contributions?
The Oklahoma City Thunder will enter the 2025-26 season with the hopes of being repeat NBA champions. They had one of the greatest seasons ever with a 68-14 regular-season record and captured the Larry O'Brien trophy.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren were all signed to new contract extensions this offseason. As the Thunder basically run it back with the same roster, Thunder Wire will conduct regular mailbags to answer questions that fans have.
One question being asked is about Chris Paul. The 40-year-old signed with the LA Clippers this offseason, signaling he's going for a poetic end to his Hall of Fame career. While his impending retirement isn't officially known yet, at least one fan believes the Thunder should honor Paul for his contributions when that day comes.
Not just for his 2019-20 season, but for his OKC Hornets years. He spent his first two seasons from 2005-07 there as the then-Hornets temporarily relocated due to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. It was a test run to see if small-market OKC can support an NBA franchise.
While Paul hasn't done enough to warrant his No. 3 jersey to get retired, maybe there's a nice middle ground. Even though he only spent one season on the Thunder, his contributions go beyond that. He helped mentor Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He gave OKC fans one of its most fun seasons ever, considering expectations. It was a much-needed bounce-back campaign by Paul, where he earned All-NBA honors.
When Paul visits the Thunder on the road, he usually receives applause. Being part of the Thunder Legacy Network is the best answer. Every year, the Thunder invite over alumni players to be celebrated by fans for their time in OKC. They could also throw in his time on the Hornets, too. It'd be worth a shoutout.
But once Paul hangs up his sneakers, he can be the headliner for a Thunder Legacy Network weekend in a future season. It's a program the Thunder have built up in recent years. The future Hall-of-Famer is always fond of his short time in OKC and left on good terms, which is impressive considering the immediate aftermath of being traded for franchise legend Russell Westbrook.
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