Veteran point guard Chris Paul seems to like what he has seen from fellow Oklahoma City Thunder newcomer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, especially when it comes to shooting.
In an interview with Brett Dawson of The Athletic, Gilgeous-Alexander's trainer, Olin Simplis, confirmed that CP3 recently worked out with the incoming second-year guard. During the workout, Simplis noted how Paul was impressed with Shai's ability to knock down shots.
“Now, obviously, it’s summer work and it’s gonna take continued reps as he goes through the season, but he’s shooting it really well. Chris Paul worked out with us (Thursday), and Chris thinks he can shoot it really well, because he’s seeing him right now,” Simplis explained.
“He’s saying, ‘Man, you shoot it too good to be just an (80) percent free-throw shooter. You’re such a great shooter.’ I’m laughing inside like, ‘That’s a compliment to Shai.’ He wasn’t shooting like that before. But he’s been shooting it exceptionally.”
Paul will handle the primary point guard duties for OKC next season, but Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to back him up as the Thunder grooms him to become their point guard of the future.
CP3 understands this and will most likely do everything he can to help the youngster improve. For Gilgeous-Alexander, there's no better person to learn from than one of the best floor generals in NBA history.
Shai had an up-and-down year with the Clippers last season, but he definitely made a name for himself in the playoffs when LA faced the Golden State Warriors in the first round. He was shooting really well from deep, which was one of the reasons why they were able to win two games before bowing out of the postseason.
Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to have a breakout year for OKC, and with Paul's guidance, don't be surprised if he becomes one of the most improved players in the league in 2019-20.
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