Paul Millsap was first defined by small things. A small school, smaller name and a less-than-ideal body.
Then there were limitations. Millsap was a bench player in a league filled with me-first stars, a gutsy, do-what-it takes throwback during an era when throwbacks belonged on jerseys.
Finally, there was the contract. Toxic. Thirty-two million dollars for four years. Offered by Portland and signed by Millsap in July 2009. A decent deal for a starter. But for a reserve? Absolutely and unbelievably massive.
For years, everything limited and confined Millsap.
But none of it has ultimately defined him.
After four seasons with the Jazz, the 6-foot-8, 250-pound power forward many thought would never hit the hardwood as a legitimate NBA starter has finally become one.
“I’m very excited,” said Millsap, following an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday at Energy Solutions Arena. “I know I worked hard to get where I’m at, to earn this spot. There’s nothing better than to work your way into the starting lineup.”
Granted, Millsap’s ascension followed the departure of Carlos Boozer. But Utah has long planned to make the 25-year-old former Louisiana Tech standout a major piece of its puzzle. And as the small-market, salary-cap conscious Jazz build for the future, Millsap has in many ways become as essential to the team’s long-term prospects as Deron Williams and Al Jefferson.
In the trio — none older than 26, all staring at the upside of their careers — Utah has a core with the potential to rival any other big-name three-piece unit in the league.
In Millsap, the Jazz have a perfect third member. A star who is willing to defer. A prized athlete who believes that down-and-dirty, old-school fundamentals such as rebounding and defense are as important as points or prestige, and often more rewarding.
“That’s what I strive for, actually [base] my life off of,” Millsap said, “working hard to try and make a positive influence on everybody I come in contact with. That’s who I’ve been. That’s who my family has been. And I want to continue to try and do that.”
One week into the 2010-11 preseason, Millsap has shown no sign of slowing down.
While Jefferson has often been referred to as a beast by his new teammates, Millsap is still the team’s truest warrior. Tenacious, strong and fearless, the forward has wowed Jefferson since day one. Loose balls, contested rebounds, tipped passes — anything that Millsap can put his hands on, he devours.
How impressive is Millsap’s game to his frontcourt ally? Jefferson smiled wide, shook his head in disbelief and started laughing after Millsap attempted a thrilling fast-break dunk during the scrimmage. Then, following the contest, Jefferson happily beamed while offering sincere words of praise.
“I think everybody know I got mad respect for him, because he one of them guys that had to prove himself,” Jefferson said. “He has done that, and he’s still getting better and better.”
He added: “It’s an honor and a blessing to have a guy like that on my team.”
