Paul Millsap 2010s Gem!

One of the most underrated players in the 2010s has announced his retirement. He was one of the best power forwards of that decade. He earned four All-Star selections and a spot on the Second Team All-Defense. Millsap was a late bloomer. By decade's end, he was one of the best players in the Eastern Conference. Paul wasn't flashy, but he was very talented.

Paul Millsap was one of the greatest second-round picks of all time. The Utah Jazz picked him 46th overall. He joined Deron Williams and Hall of Fame coach Jerry Sloan. He had an incredible rookie campaign. He fell short to Brandon Roy for the 2006 Rookie of the Year. It was rare to see a late-drafted player make a case for the award. Then he made his name known when Paul went up against the champion Spurs, where he was able to be a spark plug off the bench.

In his third year, Millsap improved. He scored a career-high 28 points against the Orlando Magic. Then, he dropped 32 against the Boston Celtics. That proved he was a future star of the league. Paul was on a talented Utah team and earning his minutes for one of the best coaches of all time. Then in 2008-09, Millsap replaced All-Star Carlos Boozer and became a starter on this Utah team. In free agency of 2009, The Trail Blazers signed Paul Millsap for 32 million for over four years, but the Jazz managed to match. Now, with Carlos Boozer gone and Al Jefferson in, Paul scored a career high against the Miami Heat's big 3.

After seven years with the Utah Jazz, Paul Millsap joined the Atlanta Hawks. Teaming up with Al Horford and Jeff Teague, who were already on the team. Being one of the key signees after Kyle Korver in the previous off-season. The Hawks were looking to be one of the competing teams for seasons to come. Paul Millsap that season was able to average 18 points per game and 8 rebounds. Being one of the best players in the Eastern Conference that season. Then losing to the Indiana Pacers in seven games led by a young Paul George.

The 2014-15 season was incredible for the Atlanta Hawks. The team had four All-Stars in Al Horford, Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, and veteran Paul Millsap. The Hawks were the top seed. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Cavs swept them. The Cavs were missing Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving.

In the 2015-16 season, Millsap got the extension for three years, $59 million. The Hawks had a talented front court duo that can compete. They were committed to building a roster that can compete for a championship. In 2016, he played like an All-Star and made All-Defensive second team. That season against the Nets he was able to reach 10,000 career points. In the end of the season, the Hawks finished fourth in the East. Despite losing to the Celtics in four, Paul scored 45 to end the season.

In the 2016-17 season, the Hawks reconstructed their roster. The team traded Jeff Teague to the Indiana Pacers and Al Horford signed with the Boston Celtics. Kyle Korver was traded midseason to the LeBron James-led Cavaliers. A young Dennis Schröder was promoted to a starter. The Hawks made a major move by signing former All-Star and hometown kid, Dwight Howard. And, another solid shooting guard in young Tim Hardaway Jr. The Hawks were a mediocre team that year. They were the fifth seed. And that season did not live up to expectations, and this was Millsap's last year on his contract. Paul Millsap was able to secure his last and final All-Star selection. Then in the off-season, he took his talent to Denver.

Paul Millsap took his talent to the Denver Nuggets. Where he teamed up with the young Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Garry Harris. Early on in the season, he was able to win the Conference Player of the Week. He successfully assumed the veteran role. Then, the following season, it was the pandemic that caused a huge pause in the Nuggets' season. Then in the bubble, the Nuggets were able to reach the Western Conference Finals. He was far from his former All-Star self, but he had a huge impact on the court. Then he re-signed for a one year deal. And in the year of 2021, the Brooklyn Nets signed Paul Millsap.

The Brooklyn Nets signed Paul Millsap. They wanted a veteran for their stars: James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant. The team built a roster of veterans like Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Patty Mills. Then in the middle of the season, James Harden was traded to the Sixers, and Paul Millsap was a part of the deal. Now, finding himself a new home in Philadelphia.

Now, playing with an MVP, big Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers were looking to compete. Paul was now a veteran voice on the bench. The Heat beat them in six games. Then Paul did not play the next season. And in the middle of this season, Paul Millsap announced his retirement. Millsap is one of eight players with 500 3s, 1k blocks, and 1k steals, being one of eight players to do so.

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