Paul Millsap
Encyclopedia
Paul Millsap is an American
professional basketball
player currently with the Utah Jazz
of the National Basketball Association
. As a 6'8", 250 lbs. power forward
from Louisiana Tech University
, Millsap was selected by the Jazz in the second round (47th overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft
. His game was initially compared to that of Udonis Haslem
. He was an early entrant to the draft as a junior. He is the only player in NCAA basketball history to lead the nation in rebounding for three consecutive years.
candidate, an award not traditionally given to players taken so late in the draft. Though the award would ultimately go to Brandon Roy
, Millsap had a strong first season, leading all rookies with six double-doubles. He finished the 2006–07 season with averages of around 7 points
per game, 5 rebounds
per game, nearly one steal
and one block
; he had season highs of 20 points, 17 rebounds, 4 blocks, 4 steals, 3 assists, and 38 minutes. He played in all 82 of Utah's games. Early in the 2007–08 season, Millsap achieved a new career high of 24 points during a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers
. He later extended his career high to 28 points against the Orlando Magic
in late December 2007. His next career high came in December 2008 against the Boston Celtics
when he scored 32 points. Millsap had played in 194 straight games since being drafted by the Jazz in 2006; he missed his first game of his professional career on December 26, 2008 against the Dallas Mavericks due to a sprained posterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee suffered against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 23, 2008.
Millsap was Jazz all-star forward Carlos Boozer
's replacement during much of the 2008–2009 season (Boozer suffered a quadriceps injury and later a severe knee injury that led to surgery). His numbers soared, as he averaged 15.5 points per game on 56% shooting, and 9.5 rebounds.
Following the 2008–2009 season, the Jazz tendered a qualifying offer to Millsap, thus making him a restricted free agent
. A few weeks later, he signed an offer sheet from the Portland Trail Blazers
that would have given him $32 million over four years, including $6.2 million in the 2009–2010 season, with a $5.6 million signing bonus, with $10.3 million to be paid within seven days of the contract's approval by the NBA. The Jazz had the right to match the offer, and did so seven days later.
At the start of the 2010–11 season, Millsap was awarded a full-time starting position at power forward after long-time starter Boozer left Utah to join the Chicago Bulls
during free agency of summer 2010. He started alongside newly acquired center Al Jefferson, who came to Utah via trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves
. On November 9, 2010, he scored a career-high 46 points against the Miami Heat
in a 116-114 overtime victory after coming back from a 22-point deficit. Millsap scored 11 points in 28 seconds at the end of regulation, including three three-pointers, one more than he had made in his entire career before then. He also hit a buzzer-beater to force overtime. It marked the first home loss for the newly assembled Heat trio of Dwyane Wade
, LeBron James
and Chris Bosh
.
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Utah
| 82 || 1 || 18.0 || .525 || .333 || .673 || 5.2 || .8 || .8 || .9 || 6.8
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Utah
| 82 || 2 || 20.8 || .504 || .000 || .677 || 5.6 || 1.0 || .9 || .9 || 8.1
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | Utah
| 76 || 38 || 30.1 || .538 || .000 || .699 || 8.6 || 1.8 || 1.0 || 1.0 || 13.5
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | Utah
| 82 || 8 || 27.8 || .538 || .111 || .693 || 6.8 || 1.6 || .8 || 1.2 || 11.6
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
| align="left" | Utah
| 76 || 76 || 34.3 || .531 || .391 || .757 || 7.6 || 2.5 || 1.4 || .9 || 17.3
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 398 || 125 || 26.0 || .528 || .256 || .705 || 6.7 || 1.5 || 1.0 || 1.0 || 11.3
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Utah
| 17 || 0 || 15.5 || .525 || .000 || .667 || 4.4 || .5 || .6 || .5 || 5.9
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Utah
| 12 || 0 || 17.5 || .516 || .000 || .520 || 3.9 || .3 || .6 || 1.3 || 6.4
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | Utah
| 5 || 0 || 31.0 || .510 || .000 || .500 || 8.0 || 1.6 || .8 || 1.0 || 11.8
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | Utah
| 10 || 0 || 32.3 || .574 || .000 || .690 || 8.8 || 2.2 || 1.1 || 1.4 || 18.0
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 44 || 0 || 21.6 || .540 || .000 || .624 || 5.7 || 1.0 || .8 || 1.0 || 9.5
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player currently with the Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
of the National Basketball Association
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
. As a 6'8", 250 lbs. power forward
Power forward (basketball)
Power forward is a position in the sport of basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF". It has also been referred to as the "post" position. Power forwards play a role similar to that of center in what is called the "post" or "low...
from Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech University, often referred to as Louisiana Tech, LA Tech, or Tech, is a coeducational public research university located in Ruston, Louisiana. Louisiana Tech is designated as a Tier 1 school in the national universities category by the 2012 U.S. News & World Report college rankings...
, Millsap was selected by the Jazz in the second round (47th overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft
2006 NBA Draft
The 2006 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2006 at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City and was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players,...
. His game was initially compared to that of Udonis Haslem
Udonis Haslem
Udonis Johneal Haslem is an American professional basketball player who is currently a power forward for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . Haslem played college basketball for the University of Florida, where he was a key member of four Florida Gators NCAA tournament teams...
. He was an early entrant to the draft as a junior. He is the only player in NCAA basketball history to lead the nation in rebounding for three consecutive years.
NBA career
In late 2006, some sports journalists were referring to Millsap as a potential Rookie of the YearNBA Rookie of the Year Award
The National Basketball Association's Rookie of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1952–53 NBA season, to the top rookie of the regular season. The winner receives the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy, which is named in honor of the Philadelphia Warriors head...
candidate, an award not traditionally given to players taken so late in the draft. Though the award would ultimately go to Brandon Roy
Brandon Roy
Brandon Dawayne Roy is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association. He was selected sixth in the 2006 NBA Draft, having completed four years playing for the Washington Huskies. In 2009, he served as the team's co-captain, along...
, Millsap had a strong first season, leading all rookies with six double-doubles. He finished the 2006–07 season with averages of around 7 points
Point (basketball)
Points in basketball are used to keep track of the score in a game. Points can be accumulated by making field goals or free throws ....
per game, 5 rebounds
Rebound (basketball)
A rebound in basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds in basketball are a routine part in the game, as all possessions change after a shot is successfully made...
per game, nearly one steal
Steal (basketball)
In basketball, a steal occurs when a defensive player legally causes a turnover by his positive, aggressive action. This can be done by deflecting and controlling, catching, or batting to a teammate a pass or dribble of an offensive player...
and one block
Block (basketball)
In basketball, a block , not to be confused with blocking, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player. The defender must not touch the offensive player's hands or otherwise a foul is called. In order to be legal, the block must occur while the shot...
; he had season highs of 20 points, 17 rebounds, 4 blocks, 4 steals, 3 assists, and 38 minutes. He played in all 82 of Utah's games. Early in the 2007–08 season, Millsap achieved a new career high of 24 points during a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
. He later extended his career high to 28 points against the Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
in late December 2007. His next career high came in December 2008 against the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
when he scored 32 points. Millsap had played in 194 straight games since being drafted by the Jazz in 2006; he missed his first game of his professional career on December 26, 2008 against the Dallas Mavericks due to a sprained posterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee suffered against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 23, 2008.
Millsap was Jazz all-star forward Carlos Boozer
Carlos Boozer
Carlos Austin Boozer, Jr. is an American professional basketball player with the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association...
's replacement during much of the 2008–2009 season (Boozer suffered a quadriceps injury and later a severe knee injury that led to surgery). His numbers soared, as he averaged 15.5 points per game on 56% shooting, and 9.5 rebounds.
Following the 2008–2009 season, the Jazz tendered a qualifying offer to Millsap, thus making him a restricted free agent
Restricted free agent
A restricted free agent is a professional athlete who plays in the KHL, NFL, NHL, or NBA. Such players have special restrictions on the terms under which they can retain or change employment status with their athletic club teams.- NFL :...
. A few weeks later, he signed an offer sheet from the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
that would have given him $32 million over four years, including $6.2 million in the 2009–2010 season, with a $5.6 million signing bonus, with $10.3 million to be paid within seven days of the contract's approval by the NBA. The Jazz had the right to match the offer, and did so seven days later.
At the start of the 2010–11 season, Millsap was awarded a full-time starting position at power forward after long-time starter Boozer left Utah to join the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
during free agency of summer 2010. He started alongside newly acquired center Al Jefferson, who came to Utah via trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
. On November 9, 2010, he scored a career-high 46 points against the Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
in a 116-114 overtime victory after coming back from a 22-point deficit. Millsap scored 11 points in 28 seconds at the end of regulation, including three three-pointers, one more than he had made in his entire career before then. He also hit a buzzer-beater to force overtime. It marked the first home loss for the newly assembled Heat trio of Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. nicknamed Flash or D-Wade, is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat. Awarded 2006 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated, Wade has established himself as one of the most well-known and popular players in the league...
, LeBron James
LeBron James
LeBron Raymone James is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . Nicknamed "King James", he was a three-time "Mr. Basketball" of Ohio in high school, and was highly promoted in the national media as a future NBA superstar while a...
and Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh
Christopher Wesson Bosh is an American professional basketball player who plays power forward for the Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association ....
.
Regular season
|-| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Utah
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 82 || 1 || 18.0 || .525 || .333 || .673 || 5.2 || .8 || .8 || .9 || 6.8
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Utah
| 82 || 2 || 20.8 || .504 || .000 || .677 || 5.6 || 1.0 || .9 || .9 || 8.1
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
| align="left" | Utah
| 76 || 38 || 30.1 || .538 || .000 || .699 || 8.6 || 1.8 || 1.0 || 1.0 || 13.5
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | Utah
| 82 || 8 || 27.8 || .538 || .111 || .693 || 6.8 || 1.6 || .8 || 1.2 || 11.6
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
| align="left" | Utah
| 76 || 76 || 34.3 || .531 || .391 || .757 || 7.6 || 2.5 || 1.4 || .9 || 17.3
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 398 || 125 || 26.0 || .528 || .256 || .705 || 6.7 || 1.5 || 1.0 || 1.0 || 11.3
Playoffs
|-| align="left" | 2006–07
2007 NBA Playoffs
The 2007 NBA Playoffs was the postseason to the National Basketball Association's 2006–2007 season.There were four rounds of postseason action, all of them in a best-of-seven format, with teams seeded on a bracket. The team with the better record wasn't necessarily the basis of seeding teams in...
| align="left" | Utah
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 17 || 0 || 15.5 || .525 || .000 || .667 || 4.4 || .5 || .6 || .5 || 5.9
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
2008 NBA Playoffs
The 2008 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2007–08 season which ended with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4–2....
| align="left" | Utah
| 12 || 0 || 17.5 || .516 || .000 || .520 || 3.9 || .3 || .6 || 1.3 || 6.4
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2009 NBA Playoffs
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2008–09 season. The playoffs started on April 18, 2009 with ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| align="left" | Utah
| 5 || 0 || 31.0 || .510 || .000 || .500 || 8.0 || 1.6 || .8 || 1.0 || 11.8
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
2010 NBA Playoffs
The 2010 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2009–10 season. The playoffs started on April 17, 2010 with ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| align="left" | Utah
| 10 || 0 || 32.3 || .574 || .000 || .690 || 8.8 || 2.2 || 1.1 || 1.4 || 18.0
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 44 || 0 || 21.6 || .540 || .000 || .624 || 5.7 || 1.0 || .8 || 1.0 || 9.5