How Spurs' Chris Paul Impacted NBA MVP Race

There is little doubt that the best thing for a young player breaking into a new league is to have some veteran leadership to show them the ropes. This is true for any player so that they can learn to adapt to the life of being a professional athlete. One of the best examples of a veteran point guard who fits this mold is Chris Paul.

Chris Paul, who spent this past season with the San Antonio Spurs, was a teammate of current NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Gilgeous-Alexander was traded to Oklahoma City as a throw-in along with several draft picks in exchange for Paul George. Because of their early partnership, you can clearly see the influence of young Chris Paul in his game. Here are a few examples to consider.

First is one of the most critiqued aspects of Gilgeous-Alexander's game, which is baiting his defender into a foul call. Paul proved early in his career that he possessed the ability to decelerate on a dime and cause the defender to commit a foul. 

Others have come along, such as James Harden and now Gilgeous-Alexander, who have mastered the art of finishing through drawn contact.

Another example of the impact Paul had on Gilgeous-Alexander is the efficiency from the mid-range area of the court. Paul made a living at getting to his spot at the elbows of the free throw line, and the surrounding areas. 

Shai gets to the similar spots when he is having a poor shooting night, and looking to get back on track.

As you can see, there are several aspects that Chris Paul has mastered over his 20 seasons in the NBA, and is now giving back to the younger crop of guards. He spent this season mentoring young eventual Rookie of The Year Stephon Castle. The game is without a doubt when the veterans give back to the young up-and-coming talent.