Paul Millsap made history in college by becoming the first player to lead the NCAA in rebounds for three consecutive years. Despite his success in the Western Athletic Conference, the power forward from Louisiana Tech was not drafted until the 47th overall pick in 2006, which turned out to be a steal for the Utah Jazz.
In his first four years, Millsap played off the bench. However, in the 2010-11 season, he took over as the starting power forward. Over the next three years, he averaged at least 14 points, 7 rebounds, and a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of over 19, establishing himself as a complete power forward. With his stock rising, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks, where he went to every All-Star Game over the next four years and averaged 17.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Not only was this the best run of his career, but Millsap also led Atlanta to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2016, where they were swept by Cleveland. That season, he finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting, was a Second Team All-Defensive selection, and led the NBA in Defensive Win Shares.
Millsap signed with the Denver Nuggets in 2017, where he played for four years. However, as he aged, his performance started to decline. He closed his career in 2021-22 with stints in Brooklyn and Philadelphia.
Despite being a four-time All-Star, Millsap never received an MVP vote, which is something worth noting.
28. Paul Millsap
The Bullet Points
- Country of Origin: Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.A.
- Eligible Since: Wednesday, 01 January 2025
- Position: Center, Power Forward
- Played For: Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz
- College: Louisiana Tech
- Drafted: 2nd Round, 47th Overall in 2006
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Major Accolades and Awards: NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1) (2016)
All-Star (4) (2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017)
All-Rookie Second Team (2007)
Most Defensive Win Shares (1) (2015-16)
Highest Steal Percentage (2) (2006-07 & 2009-10)
NBA Championships (None)
First Team All-WAC (2) (2005 & 2006)
Second Team All-WAC (1) (2004)
WAC Rookie of the Year (2004)
NCAA Most Rebounds per Game (3) (2004, 2005 & 2006) -
Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Offensive Rebounds (1) (2008-09)
Top Ten Finishes: Steals (3) (2011-12, 2013-14 & 2015-16)
Top Ten Finishes: Steals per Game (3) (2011-12, 2013-14 & 2014-15)
Top Ten Finishes: Blocks (1) (2015-16)
Top Ten Finishes: Blocks per Game (1) (2015-16)
Top Ten Finishes: Field Goal Percentage (3) (2008-09, 2009-10 & 2010-11)
Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Win Shares (2) (2014-15 & 2015-16)
Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Box Plus/Minus (1) (2015-16)
Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Rating (2) (2014-15 & 2015-16)
Top Ten Finishes: Offensive Rebound Percentage (1) (2008-09)
Top Ten Finishes: Steal Percentage (3) (2011-12, 2013-14 & 2014-15) -
Notable All-time Rankings: 67. Offensive Rebounds: 2,343
71. Defensive Win Shares: 45.7
77. Defensive Rebounds: 5,330
95. Rebounds: 7,673
97. Games: 1,085
99. Blocks: 1,045
Should Paul Millsap be in the Hall of Fame?
Definitely put them in! - 50%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 0%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 50%
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