Nuggets: Paul Millsap back at practice and what it means for Denver
By Mathew Huff
The Nuggets got some good news this week as Paul Millsap is back at practice.
Paul Millsap was the Nuggets’ big free agent pick up this past summer. He was looking promising for the Nuggets at the beginning of the season as Denver finally found their defensive anchor in the interior.
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Then, within the first quarter of the season, he went down with a wrist injury. Suddenly, Nuggets Nation was muttering “here we go again,” as the curse of Denver’s misfortune’s seemed to rear it’s ugly head once again.
This week, Millsap returned to practice which is a great sign for the Nuggets. There is no timetable for his return to game action yet, but with him out of a cast and practicing, one is inclined to think he will be back soon locking down the paint for the Nuggets.
So, why is this such great news? Well, for one, Millsap is a legitimate star in this league. He has been an All Star and is extremely versatile for a big man. He can stretch the floor, drive the lane and defensively, he is adept at blocking shots and disrupting passing lanes.
His stats may have dipped a bit this year, but he is getting older and allowing Nikola Jokic to come into his own and flourish at the same time. Millsap will provide a solid defensive presence again on a night to night basis. Plus, he will hopefully assist on the Nuggets’ terrible pick and roll defense, which is the area the opponents may have taken the most advantage of in Paul’s absence.
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It may not be until the month of March until we see Millsap back in action. However, this is still a great sign for not just the Nuggets fan base, but for Paul Millsap himself as well.