Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Player Power Rankings: Russell Westbrook Pushing for MVP

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) gestures from the court during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) gestures from the court during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 21
Next
Mar 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) makes a move against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) makes a move against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks

Last Rank: No. 18

Position: Power Forward

Slash Line: .474/.314/.755

Season Averages: 32.4 MPG, 17.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 3.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 0.9 3PM

It may seem tired and cliche, but there isn’t an area of the game at which Paul Millsap is less than solid. He’s a player without a crippling weakness, and that’s played a major role in the Atlanta Hawks’ resurgent second half of the season.

Many are aware of Millsap’s offensive brilliance, but try this: he’s No. 1 in the NBA in defensive win shares.

Millsap isn’t just turning into a good defender; he’s been one of the best defensive players in the NBA. That’s directly coincided with Atlanta’s rise from being a well-rounded offensive squad into the No. 2 team in the NBA in defensive efficiency.

Atlanta’s average of 98.9 points allowed per 100 possessions makes it one of three teams in the Association that’s holding opponents below 100.

The Hawks may not have any marquee defensive players, but Millsap is pushing hard to redefine that perception. He’s also leading the offensive charge as a post scorer, 3-point shooter, midrange marksman, and facilitator, all the while providing a strong edge on the boards.

If you need evidence of Millsap’s ability to do it all, try this: over the past 10 games, he’s averaging 14.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.7 blocks, and 2.0 steals in just 30.8 minutes.

Next: The 'Melo We Know