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Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap selected for Team USA training camp

By Michael Walton

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 12: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on October 12, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 12: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on October 12, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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Denver Nuggets free agent forward Paul Millsap has been chosen for the Team USA training camp FIBA World Cup roster.

Paul Millsap is entering a huge offseason. He will be starting negotiations with the Nuggets, who have a $30 million team-option on his contract, but will surely be looking to maintain some modicum of financial flexibility. Add another interesting note to Millsap’s offseason, as the veteran has been selected to participate in the Team USA FIBA World Cup  training camp.

Paul Millsap is coming off a very successful season with the Nuggets, in which he put up 12.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2 assists on 48.4 percent shooting from the field. Millsap played 70 games in the 2018-19 season, 32 more than he played last season due to injury woes. And while his shooting percentages increased across the board, his impact on the defensive end was much greater.

Related Story. Paul Millsap should’ve made the NBA All-Defensive second team. light

The 34-year old Millsap helped the Nuggets defense finish in the top 10 in defensive efficiency, and he and Garry Harris were effectively tied for the lead in defensive rating (among starters). His effort level and defensive acumen clearly helped 1st Team All-NBA center Nikola Jokic flourish. There is even an argument to be made that Millsap should’ve made an All-Defensive team, but there is absolutely no doubt that he deserves the Team USA training camp invite.

The director of USA basketball, Jerry Colangelo had this to say (via Harrison Wind) about the heady veteran’s inclusion on the roster:

"“First of all he’s a terrific competitor, let’s just start with that. And when you look at the need for matchups for some of the teams that we think are going to be very strong in this competition, we need veterans who know how to play, who have the size and strength and experience to compete. So he [Paul Millsap] fit that description to a T and he deserves to be on this list.”-Director of USA basketball, Jerry Colangelo"

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