Denver Nuggets Starters: Power Forward Paul Millsap

In what could be described as a “Cinderella Season” for expectations of this years Denver Nuggets, the veteran power forward Paul Millsap has some heavy influence on that coming to fruition.

If you listen to the commentary surrounding the Denver Nuggets by analysts, you will hear a lot of talk about the “core”.  The combination of Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris, and Jamal Murray.

There is something magical happening for the Denver squad and it is all because of this core.  While they are young and wildly talented, it is in no way meant to undervalue the starting power forward, Paul Millsap.

Millsap is a 12 year, four time All-Star, veteran that very much provides the glue to this starting team.  He was signed to a three-year deal with the Nuggets in 2017.  Most know about his wrist injury in the early 2017 season to take him out indefinitely.

Prior to the injury, Millsap was electrifying in his play.  He was blocking shots and providing the physical intimidation and toughness that the young Nuggets needed.  It seemed since veteran Andre Miller moved on the team needed a new vet to lead in some ways.

Millsap started his career in Utah in 2006, after playing for Grambling High School and Louisiana Tech. in his native Louisiana.  He continued his career with the Atlanta Hawks from 2013 until joining the Nuggets in 2017.

Paul Millsap was a welcome addition to a young and mostly inexperienced team.  Denver does not have the same draw as some other franchises to be able to employ top-tier talent as free agents, generally.  In this case, it seems to be exactly what the doctor ordered.

There are very high expectations for the direction this Denver team is taking and he is a big part of that.  I don’t know what happens when his time is up here.  He is 33, will he continue to even play in the NBA?  There are definite Q’s would love some A’s, but I think time will have to tell for some of the answers.