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NBA Player Power Rankings: Three-Quarter Season Awards

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts with forward Draymond Green (23) after making a three point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts with forward Draymond Green (23) after making a three point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 8, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots the ball against Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Atlanta won 91-84. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots the ball against Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Atlanta won 91-84. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks

Award: All-NBA Third Team

Last Rank: No. 18

Position: Power Forward

Age: 31

Slash Line: .475/.316/.755

Season Averages: 32.6 MPG, 17.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 3.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 0.9 3PM

The Atlanta Hawks have taken a step backwards as a team, but don’t let the record fool you. This Hawks team is better equipped for the postseason than the 2014-15 squad that won 60 games, and that’s all on Paul Millsap’s shoulders.

With Millsap expanding his game and improving in isolation, Atlanta projects to have a playmaker who can step up in big games when ball movement simply isn’t enough—something the Hawks lacked a year ago.

Millsap has been a member of the Top 20 for the better part of the 2015-16 NBA regular season. He’s stepped up for his team in every statistical area, which translates to the genuine impact he provides beyond the numbers.

At No. 14 in the NBA in Win Shares and No. 15 in Win Shares per 48 minutes, Millsap is undoubtedly deserving of a spot in the Top 20.

After having a quiet game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Millsap maintained his Top 20 ranking by destroying the Los Angeles Clippers for 20 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, and three steals. He then tallied 18 points, nine rebounds, and three steals on 8-of-12 shooting in a 91-84 victory over the Utah Jazz.

This past week was more of the same from Millsap: nothing flashy, but the type of versatility teams long for and dream of.

Next: Anchoring Victory