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NBA Power Rankings: Top 10 Power Forwards Thus Far

By Shane Young

Mar 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is guarded by Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is guarded by Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) works against the defense of Indiana Pacers forward Luis Scola (4) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) works against the defense of Indiana Pacers forward Luis Scola (4) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

9.  Paul Millsap — Atlanta Hawks

16.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists per game

19.53 PER, 48.5% FG, 36.1% 3-Point, 65.4% FT

There are no offenses in the league than Atlanta’s. Yes, statistically, they aren’t leading the league in major offensive categories or even getting noticed on the national radar. But, they’re quietly doing the most damage of any Eastern Conference team. Mike Budenholzer has the Hawks at eight straight wins, while the next highest winning streak of any team in the East is Washington’s two consecutive.

It’s certainly Jeff Teague leading the way, right? It’s all about the return of Al Horford, isn’t it? All of the success falls on Paul Millsap, right?

No, no, and no. This is the most unselfish, high-octane offense we’ve seen since …. the 2013-14 Spurs?

There’s a reason Atlanta has been revived under Budenholzer, and it’s because he installed the same type of offense San Antonio runs (mainly because he was under Gregg Popovich for a good amount of time). It’s helped the Hawks appear better than they ever did in the Joe Johnson and Josh Smith calamity.

They’re the most selfless team out there, and it shows in their assist density. Atlanta makes 38.3 field goals, on average, per game. 25.5 of them are assisted on, which gives them a density of 66.5 percent of their field goals being assisted. It’s the highest mark in the league, barely above Washington.

When it comes to Paul Millsap, he’s just as altruistic as the Hawks’ guards. Even their power forwards and centers are always looking to make the extra pass, unless of course, they find themselves wide open along the perimeter. Normally, Budenholzer will fill the lineup with five guys that can shoot from 20 feet or further.

Millsap’s success this season hasn’t out-shined what he’s done in the past. He hasn’t bolstered his numbers because of the loaded talent they have now, and he’s even taking two less shots per game than last year. But, it’s the style in which he’s playing — both sides of the floor very passionately — that makes him shine above most guys out there.

Not only is Millsap leading his team in steals during his ninth year as a pro, but he’s also leading the league.  At 2.3 steals per game and a steals percentage of 3.4 percent, he’s getting feisty in passing lanes and being aggressive on the ball. His disruption forces you to get the ball out of your hands, and it’s been leading to turnovers:

Just by knowing when to show help on a double team (as he does above to David West), he gets a loose ball and is the first one to dive on the court for it. It’s efforts like he shows that have the Hawks 15-6, just one win away from the East lead.

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