Jan 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) defends Atlanta Hawks forward
Paul Millsap(4) during 3rd quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-86. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Position: Power Forward
Age: 30
2014-15 Slash Line: .478/.346/.755
2014-15 Season Averages: 33.3 MPG, 16.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.7 ORPG, 3.0 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 1.0 3PM
Since receiving a shot at extended playing time in 2008-09, Paul Millsap has been one of the better power forwards in the NBA. Since joining the Atlanta Hawks, he’s taken his game to an entirely new level.
With a post-up, mid-range and perimeter game offensively, as well as an improved defensive presence, Millsap is one of the top options for the New York Knicks in the summer of 2015.
It’ll be tough to pry Millsap away from the Hawks, especially as they exit All-Star Weekend at 43-11. That doesn’t mean New York should give up on trying to land a skilled player who can work from the pinch post in the triangle offense.
Per Yannis Koutroupis of BasketballInsiders.com, Millsap weighed in on the possibility of playing for the Knicks.
"“New York is a great place,” Millsap said. “It’s the city of lights and to be able to see all the people and the business moving that is just something I like to see so it’s up there. Anytime I can be in a great city like New York and represent my team as an All-Star, it’s for sure going to be a great moment for me. “We’ll see what happens at the end of this year, but right now I’m just focused on the season. I love the way our team is and the direction we are going but after this season we will see what happens.”"
As the salary cap rises in 2016, Millsap’s contract will be less of a burden and his quality of play will increase in value. He’s never gotten by on explosiveness, but instead a combination of skill and the knowledge of how to play angles.
He’s turned his jump shot into a significant strength and has vastly improved his accuracy and court vision as a passer. Millsap’s not an elite defender, but he works hard and will make life difficult for opposing power forwards.
If Aldridge is off the board, the Knicks would be wise to pursue Millsap as their power forward of the future.
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