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How will Paul Millsap’s return impact Trey Lyles’ minutes?

By Mathew Huff

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 13: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against Caleb Swanigan #50 of the Portland Trail Blazers on November 13, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 13: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against Caleb Swanigan #50 of the Portland Trail Blazers on November 13, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Ever since Paul Millsap went out with a wrist injury, Trey Lyles has made the most of his opportunity and extra minutes. Will they be able to co-exist once Paul returns from injury?

Denver Nuggets fans were rightfully concerned when Paul Millsap went down in that infamous Lakers game. The game which saw both Nikola Jokic and Nuggets head coach, Michael Malone, ejected.

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Denver Nuggets

The news got worse when the Denver faithful found out Paul needed surgery. In came Trey Lyles to help save the day. Trey is one of the newest Nuggets on the team and you may remember him as one of the centerpieces of the controversial Donovan Mitchell trade.

If there was a blessing in disguise with Millsap’s injury, it was the front court rotation being freed up a bit and the coach allocating more minutes to the role players. Trey Lyles has not disappointed lately as he has been playing like he has a chip on his shoulder.

In him most recent stretch of games, he has had games where he has shot a perfect 100% from the field along with playing terrific defense. In a recent blow out win in Detroit, the opponent was 0-9 when Lyles was the one contesting the shot. He has been posting efficient rebounding numbers as well along with being a crucial factor coming off the bench.

Suddenly, it looks as if Utah may not have gotten such a big steal in the draft day trade after all. However, this begs an important question. What will happen when Millsap returns after the All Star Break?

According to a recent report from Sir Charles in Charge, (credit to Michael Saenz) the star power forward expects to return to action after the All Star festivities in February. As a result, this will give Trey more time to mesh with Denver’s core and more time for him to get comfortable and be more effective than he already has been. A scary thought when one thinks about it.

However, Denver cannot just overlook an All Star talent like Millsap. He is going to get his minutes back, no doubt about it. But, it would be foolish to reduce Lyles’ minutes down by a huge margin.

Coach Malone is going to have some figuring out to do in the front court rotations. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how both of these players adjust to their newfound roles.

Next: Takeaways from Denver's loss to Minnesota

Lyles’ minutes will be reduced once Millsap is back, but he will still have a key role off the bench. Plus, Millsap will be a bit rusty once he returns, though I bet he gets back to his form quickly.

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