Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap will have to “consider his options” on July 1, when he becomes an NBA free agent. It’s ironic how such a simple statement can make a huge splash in the NBA universe and at the same time can mean so little.
The New York Knicks plans for the future currently looks as cloudy as their 2-6 record on the season, add the five-game losing streak and that future just turned from cloudy to torrential downpour. This season in New York has the “grit your teeth and sit through it as best as you can” stink all over it as Phil Jackson, Derek Fisher and crew will look to retool in the offseason with a wealth of cap room.
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When asked if there would be any interest in joining his former teammate from the Utah Jazz in New York to continue their relationship as player/coach, Millsap told the New York Post,
"I know Fish. I played with Fisher for a year. He’s always been a good friend for me — not surprised at all he’s coaching. A great guy, always been a great locker-room guy. Knows the game well. I knew it would happen at some point."
Well everyone knows flattery gets you nowhere, especially in the NBA. However a player of Millsap’s caliber combined with the Knicks current state, it’s simple flirting that the Knicks would prefer to push towards full blown relationship.
Millsap put work in on the Knicks in their last meeting, coming away on the night with a win for the Haws that included an individual performance of 19 points with three steals. He was 3-of-4 from 3-point range and a perfect 4-of-4 from the charity stripe.
It’s safe to say the Knicks could use some of that.
After making his first All-Star Game last season, Millsap will enter a free agent class with other talented players such as Marc Gasol, Goran Dragic, Rajon Rondo, Rudy Gay and LaMarcus Aldridge, to name a few.
Although he won’t be sought after before Gasol and Aldridge, he’ll definitely be pursued by teams looking for an agile power forward who doesn’t shy from physicality, is a capable shooter from everywhere on the floor and can play with his back to the basket.
With Amar’e Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani most likely playing their final seasons in a Knicks uniform, New York will seek to secure Millsap’s services as well. He could be another player to operate in whatever the Knicks are running; it hasn’t looked much like the triangle.
So whether the Knicks run a triangle. square, octagon or any variation in between, Millsap could help push them forward. Another blue-collar player for a team currently sporting too many black-and-blue bruises. At this point, anything can help.