OKC Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reflects on Chris Paul's Legacy

Gilgeous-Alexander credits Paul as a mentor who helped shape his development as an NBA point guard.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paid tribute to recently retired NBA legend Chris Paul, reflecting on how Paul's mentorship and example during their one season together in Oklahoma City helped guide Gilgeous-Alexander's growth as a player. Despite Paul's abrupt and disappointing retirement, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized Paul's lasting impact on the game and his own career.

Why it matters

Chris Paul's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the NBA's all-time great point guards. His influence extended beyond just his own playing career, as he was instrumental in helping develop the next generation of elite floor generals like Gilgeous-Alexander. Paul's impact on the game and players like Gilgeous-Alexander will continue to be felt long after his playing days.

The details

Paul spent one season with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019-20, mentoring the then-21-year-old Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander credits Paul with instilling in him the importance of taking care of his body and developing a regimented routine, as well as studying Paul's mastery of the pick-and-roll and overall floor leadership. Though Paul's retirement came abruptly, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed pride in his friend and former teammate's accomplishments and legacy.

  • Chris Paul officially announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2025-26 NBA season.
  • Just days after his announcement, the L.A. Clippers traded Paul to the Toronto Raptors, who then waived him, leading to his immediate retirement.
  • Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on Paul's impact during NBA All-Star weekend in 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

A rising star point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who credits Chris Paul as a mentor during their one season playing together.

Chris Paul

A future Hall of Fame point guard who recently retired from the NBA after a storied 20-year career, including a one-year stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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What they’re saying

“Chris [Paul] was special for my career. Off the court, he was the first person that I was around to really take care of their body and show me the importance of the weight room. His life was really like a regimen, and it allowed him to be successful on the court. Chris was like the first point guard for me. He was the first point guard that I studied. I was in high school, and I was watching how he read the pick and roll. I was watching how he controlled the game. He was the standard for a point guard.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Player (SI.com)

“Honestly, it's sad the way it's happened. I thought he would get his flowers a little bit differently, but that'll never change what he's done for this game. I'm proud of him. He's been special. Hopefully I can get to that level of mastering the game of basketball.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Player (SI.com)

What’s next

Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to continue his rise as one of the NBA's premier young point guards, aiming to follow in the footsteps of his mentor Chris Paul.

The takeaway

Chris Paul's lasting impact on the game of basketball extends beyond just his own Hall of Fame playing career, as he helped shape the development of the next generation of elite point guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Paul's mentorship and example will continue to be felt in the NBA for years to come.