Paul Millsap is an American professional basketball forward renowned for his versatility, defense, and leadership. Drafted in 2006 by the Utah Jazz, Millsap has built a long NBA career across multiple teams, becoming a durable veteran and a four-time All-Star who helped anchor playoff runs with the Jazz, Hawks, and Nuggets.
Career Overview
Paul Millsap entered the NBA in 2006 as a 2nd-round pick (47th overall) by the Utah Jazz. He developed into a reliable two-way forward, contributing as a scorer, rebounder, and defender. Millsap played a key role for the Atlanta Hawks during their 2010s playoff runs and later joined the Denver Nuggets, continuing to impact games with his floor awareness and toughness.
Impact on Teams
Millsap has been valued for his ability to guard multiple positions, stretch the floor with mid-range shooting, and anchor frontcourt rotations with physical defense. His veteran leadership helped shape locker rooms and game plans across playoff campaigns, especially during Atlanta’s deep 2014–15 postseason push.
Scoring & Defense
Known for a balanced offensive game, Millsap can score inside and out and contribute efficient post-ups when needed. Defensively, he has been trusted against versatile forwards due to his strength, anticipation, and willingness to switch onto bigger or quicker players depending on the matchup.
Longevity and Durability
With a career spanning well over a decade, Millsap exemplifies durability and consistency. His longevity reflects his adaptability and professional approach, allowing him to remain a useful contributor even as the NBA evolves toward speed and spacing.
Leadership and Off-Court Influence
Beyond the court, Millsap has been recognized for leadership and steadying presence in the locker room, helping younger players develop and stay engaged during seasons with high expectations.
Positioning in Modern NBA
Paul Millsap’s skill set—two-way impact, floor spacing, and positional versatility—positions him as a bridge between traditional power forward roles and the modern, multi-position bigs era. His game provides a case study for forwards shaping team defense and offensive balance in 2025 NBA contexts.
Notable Statistics
- Draft year: 2006, 2nd round, 47th pick by the Utah Jazz
- Teams: Utah Jazz, Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets
- All-Star selections: Four-time NBA All-Star
- Eastern Conference Finals appearance with the Hawks during the 2014–15 run
Milestones and Awards
- Four-time NBA All-Star selections highlight Millsap’s peak contributions
- Key contributor to Hawks’ deep playoff appearances in the mid-2010s
- Longtime veteran presence for multiple playoff squads across his career
Legacy and Comparisons
Paul Millsap’s career illustrates the value of a versatile, dependable forward who can impact both ends of the floor. His blend of defense, rebounding, and steady scoring endurance makes him a reference point when discussing multi-positional forwards in the 2010s and 2020s NBA.