Inspiring.
That’s the most appropriate word to describe Chris Paul’s 2019-20 season.
On Wednesday, the point guard was named to the All-NBA Second Team, joining Damian Lillard, Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam and Nikola Jokic.
The news comes as no surprise considering the fact that, behind his leadership, the Thunder were considered to have overachieved this past season.
Back in February, Paul was selected to his 10th All-Star time after failing to receive the honor in each of the previous three seasons.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, James Harden and Luka Doncic were named to the All-NBA First Team, with Antetokounmpo and James being unanimous selections.
Former Thunder Russell Westbrook was selected to the All-NBA Third Team, joining Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, Ben Simmons and Rudy Gobert.
For Paul, his 2019-20 season will be remembered as the year he bounced back.
Congratulations to @CP3! ๐
๐๐ก๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฅ | ๐๐ฑ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ-๐๐๐ pic.twitter.com/PWOZI7CO8l
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) September 16, 2020
After two disappointing seasons in Houston as a member of the Rockets, general manager Daryl Morey traded Paul to Oklahoma City in exchange for James Harden. At the time, Paul was considered to be over the hill so much so that Houston agreed to give the Thunder four future first round picks as a part of the trade package featuring the swapping of the two All-Stars.
In the end, Paul made his first All-Star team since 2016 and helped lead the Thunder to the postseason, neither of which seemed to be in play when the trade was made.
As a result, as the Thunder seem intent on continuing their rebuild, many doubt that Paul will be back with the club next season. Nonetheless, his season in Oklahoma City is one in which he defied some major odds.