Paul Millsap: A Remarkable Journey Comes to an End
After 16 illustrious seasons in the NBA, Paul Millsap is hanging up his sneakers, concluding a career that spanned over a decade and a half, showcasing grit, versatility, and unwavering professionalism. Millsap, who gracefully transitioned from an underdog to an All-Star, leaves the game as one of the most respected and enduring figures in recent basketball history.
A Humble Beginning
Selected 47th overall in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, Millsap was far from an overnight sensation. Despite his low draft position, he quickly became an integral part of the Jazz roster, impressively appearing in all 82 games during his rookie season. His exceptional skills earned him a sixth-place finish in the Rookie of the Year voting. Initially coming off the bench, Millsap's talent and hard work eventually secured him a full-time starting position by his fifth season with the Jazz.
Over the last three years of his tenure in Utah, Millsap averaged 16.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while maintaining a 50.7% shooting accuracy from the field. His remarkable performance helped the Jazz make five playoff appearances, with Millsap even reaching seventh in the Sixth Man of the Year voting during his time as a bench player.
Rising to Stardom in Atlanta
In the summer of 2013, Millsap signed with the Atlanta Hawks, a move that would prove transformational for both the player and the team. During his stint with the Hawks, Millsap's career reached new heights as he earned four All-Star selections and established himself as a perennial force on both ends of the court.
The 2014-15 season was particularly memorable. Millsap was instrumental in leading the Hawks to an impressive 60-win campaign, spearheading Atlanta's charge to the Eastern Conference finals. That season, he averaged a team-high 16.7 points coupled with 7.8 rebounds per game. His defensive prowess was also on full display as Millsap finished fifth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting in the 2015-16 season, underscoring his balanced contributions on offense and defense.
A Veteran Leader in Denver
In 2017, Millsap joined the Denver Nuggets, where he continued to be a vital presence on a talented roster. During the 2019 playoffs, Millsap served as Denver's third-leading scorer, playing a crucial role alongside young stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. His seasoned leadership and experience greatly aided the Nuggets as they navigated the competitive playoff landscape.
The Final Chapter
Millsap spent his final NBA season split between the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, where his enduring contributions remained evident. Throughout his career, he consistently demonstrated a unique blend of shooting, defense, and intelligence that few match up to. Remarkably, Millsap is one of just eight players in NBA history to achieve the milestone of totaling 500 three-pointers, 1,000 blocks, and 1,000 steals, a testament to his all-around excellence on the court.
The Legacy of a Fighter
Paul Millsap's basketball journey began long before the NBA when he was an emerging talent at Louisiana Tech. In his college years, he averaged an impressive 18.6 points and 12.7 rebounds over three seasons. That early promise blossomed into a pro career defined by hard work, intelligence, and modesty.
As Millsap steps away from the sport he has graced for so long, his legacy remains firmly intact—a constant reminder of perseverance and excellence. His journey from a lowly draft pick to a multi-time All-Star serves as inspiration to countless aspiring players. Whether blocking shots, snagging rebounds, or drilling crucial three-pointers, Paul Millsap's career embodies the spirit of basketball.