Denver Nuggets: Paul Millsap’s expected role for 2018-2019

Transitioning from last season for the Denver Nuggets, one question will continue to pummel Paul Millsap:

Why is this dude getting paid so much?

Millsap averaged 14.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last year. However, he also shot under 35% on three-pointers and made less than 70% of his free throws (ESPN). And he missed 44 games last season.

Denver Nuggets

Does $29 million seem like overkill? Absolutely. Millsap was a wonderful free agent acquisition, but (like many other recent contracts) he is disgustingly overpaid.

Noted, established…moving on.

Signing Paul was still an excellent move. Millsap is a) the Nugget’s best defender by a mile, b) the steady veteran hand vital to this otherwise young squad, and c) the swiss-army knife on offense to blend in where needed.  Millsap’s role for 2018-2019? Play his game…lead by example…fit in where needed.

One notable factor is Millsap’s phenomenal defensive impact. With Millsap on the floor before the wrist injury 17 games into last season, the Nuggets defensive rating held a decent 105.0 (Denver Stiffs). Without Paul quarterbacking the defense, Denver would be…well, even easier to score on. With more appearances, Millsap should steady Denver’s defense at least somewhat. He will be the undisputed leader on the stopping end. God help him. Besides sliding over to cover for teammates, Millsap will lock down his man. But his leadership should press others into better defensive performance too.

A steady veteran, Millsap is cool under pressure. His stability will be essential this season. A vastly-richer Nikola Jokic faces a heavy burden to perform. Newly-inked Will Barton can anticipate a similar challenge. Although both are capable studs, each will need the occasional veteran pick-me-up. Jokic will roar frustration towards officials after muggings in the post. Insert Millsap to calm Denver’s fiery Unicorn. Barton may go “Thrill – mode” and jack a couple ill-advised shots. Another chance for Millsap to step in. Every NBA contender contains veteran leadership. Paul can provide this for the Nuggets.

Offensively, Millsap finds himself in a situation different from previous years. He is grouped with talented teammates. Millsap may be the team’s fifth-leading scorer. And that’s okay. If the offense runs through Jokic, with Millsap as an effective cutter? Perfect. If Millsap occasionally plays a steady fourth-quarter scoring option? Also great. Millsap will be a scoring threat – but he won’t shoulder the load he did in Atlanta. Even averaging 10 points per game, spearheading the defense, and mentoring young stars can pass for success if Denver returns to the playoffs.

But…people will talk. The court of public opinion will certainly determine Paul Millsap isn’t worth $29 million. They are probably correct. The important question –  who cares? The best way to respond to this chatter? Ignore it. Completely.

Next: Top five ABA Nuggets of all time

Because winning trumps everything. If the Nuggets return to the playoffs and the young stars mature…Millsap is worth every penny.