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Denver Nuggets: The importance of Paul Millsap

By Lucas Coryell

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Paul Millsap’s importance to the Denver Nuggets ascent to playoff contender was perhaps  masked by an injury shortened 2017-2018 season, but I saw it late in games down the stretch last year.

Millsap has “pedigree” to go with experience. I noticed late in the 4th quarter in that last week or ten days of the season instances where Paul separated himself from the pack in terms of confidence, determination, and willingness to do what had to be done.

Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets /

Denver Nuggets

Aside from the Milwaukee game, the stats don’t necessarily back my opinion, but I saw a late game fire in Millsap when he knew the Nuggets have to win this game if they wanted the playoffs. What I’m speaking of is hard to describe with words yet it appears in every proven winner. Paul has “It” and I think several Nuggets are acquiring it. I hope it’s contagious and THAT is the importance of Paul Millsap.

Despite averaging a 7 year low in scoring, and his worst Rebounds per game since 07-08 (ESPN),  I did notice when we moved into crunch time Paul Millsap’s experience stood out amongst our ranks. I have several ways Millsap can be the catalyst in pushing this team upward and the Nuggets have $29,230,769 reasons to hope he can do it (Spotrac salary). So what do the Nuggets need from him?

Number 1: Consistency and Health Paul Millsap’s career stat line is nothing if not consistent. His numbers were down last year in Denver but his average over the last 5 yrs is solid with 16.9 PPG and 7.9 RPG (ESPN). So here’s to hoping he gets back up to those numbers in a healthy 2018-2019 campaign, but even if last years stats are the new norm for Paul Millsap then his other skills can propel the Nuggets higher. So let’s talk about those.

Number 2: Defense Paul Millsap is a career 2.2 in Defensive Plus minus. Trey Lyles is -0.6 so the falloff is quite severe if we can’t keep Paul on the court. However I think it’s his presence that outweighs the Plus/Minus stats. His reliability to guard his man and help his teammates should ultimately grow on his teammates when they need a stop. Denver let far too many games slip out of their grasp the last couple years. So here’s to not giving any more away.

Next. Top 10 Denver Nuggets of all time. dark

Ultimately Leadership Denver has a talented young squad and they are gaining experience of their own but, I feel like Millsap’s experience and all star pedigree can help push the youngsters this season. The games in October ultimately count the same in the standings so I hope the Nuggets can pick up on Milsap’s intensity and confidence to finish games all season long and not end up on the outside looking into the playoffs this go round.

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