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How to navigate the Nuggets’ 2020 draft and free agency

By Quenton S. Albertie

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jerami Grant #9 of the Denver Nuggets and Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets celebrate their win with teammates against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 22, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jerami Grant #9 of the Denver Nuggets and Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets celebrate their win with teammates against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 22, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Marcus Morris Sr. #31 of the LA Clippers and Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets get into a scuffle during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Marcus Morris Sr. #31 of the LA Clippers and Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets get into a scuffle during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Let Millsap chase the money

Millsap has clearly reached the twilight of his career and the biggest question may be what the veteran is worth after being paid $30.5 million to be the team’s fourth or fifth-best player. Though he plays with grit and veteran savvy, his lack of speed can hinder the team defensively and he’s been reduced to a spot-up threat for the Nuggets offensively.

Bringing Millsap back makes sense from a continuity and veteran leadership standpoint but at this point in his career, he’ll hurt Denver more than he can help them unless he’s willing to take on a Udonis Haslem role that sees him coaching more than playing.

The rise of Michael Porter Jr. also dampens the desire to bring back Millsap. Should Porter learn how to be an average defender, which he has the tools for but not the experience, then there’s no reason for the Nuggets not to play MPJ around thirty minutes a night. His role next season, whether he’ll be a starter or scorer off the bench, likely depends on his defensive growth but there’s no doubt that Porter makes Denver more potent on offense.

Millsap will likely play for who plays him the most money anyways but the Nuggets should let him walk in free agency, while trying to replace his veteran leadership with another player. There will be plenty of grizzled vets available this offseason, like Kyle Korver, Tyson Chandler and Joakim Noah.

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