TNT analyst Charles Barkley often refers to Chris Paul as the best leader in the NBA, and after Danilo Gallinari’s personal account. It’d be difficult to argue with the Chuckster.
Writing for The Players’ Tribune, on Monday, Gallinari published a heartfelt essay in which he gave a first-person account as to what it was like to be in Chesapeake Energy Arena on the night of March 11 — the night life changed for pretty much everyone in the United States.
Gallinari provided great insight from his perspective, especially considering the fact that he has friends and family in Northern Italy who live in the country that has reported more coronavirus deaths than any other.
Among the interesting and inspiring information that Gallinari put in his essay was the fact that he has found respite in communicating with his teammates. Led by Chris Paul, the Thunder have had regular group chats and FaceTime video sessions. While there’s no discussion as to what exactly the group discusses in these sessions, Gallinari made it clear that Paul is the orchestrator.
On those video calls, it’s basically the same as when we play our games. Because CP, that guy … he’s not just our leader on the court. He takes the lead in those FaceTime conversations, too. He kind of sets the agenda and keeps everything flowing…
Beyond that, me and CP are talking with one another almost every day. He’s an amazing person. He really is.
At this point, whether the NBA is able to complete its 2019-20 season is anyone’s guess, with the latest information suggesting that the league is considering canceling the remainder of it.
If not, though, Paul will lead Oklahoma City to an improbable playoff berth and do exactly what Gallinari and Barkley have observed: competently lead…
Just like he has been doing for the Thunder over the past four weeks.